Kids VT, February 2013

Activities

CAMP EDGE

is a place of innovation, fun and fitness for school age children ages 5-12. Our program offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including sports, craft projects, field trips and more! Our campers have an active summer playing and learning with their friends! Campers are placed in one of three groups based on age: Mighty 5s (5 years old)

• Group Sports (including but not limited to: baseball, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, kickball)

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

How

Photographer Caleb Kenna snapped this shot of Gennie, 9, and Ivy Doran, 8, jumping for joy at Whirlie’s World in Middlebury, a featured stop in this month’s day-cations story.

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Copublisher/Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

Creative Director Don Eggert don@kidsvt.com ext. 71

Managing Editor Carolyn Fox carolyn@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Director of Marketing & Events Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76

Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

P.O. Box 1184 Burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com

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Circulation: 25,000 at 400+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

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Editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Media Association. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

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Copy Editor Paula Routly

Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman

Marisa Keller

Hayley Lamberson

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Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet

Designers Andrew Sawtell

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka

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Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Nancy Stearns Bercaw, Eliza Eaton, Erik Esckilsen, Erica Houskeeper, Tasha Lehman, Cindy Morgan, Alison Novak, Ken Picard, Mark Redmond, Helen Rock, Becky Tharp

Photographers: Caleb Kenna, Matt Payeur, Shem Roose, Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Illustrators: Mo Oh, Rev. Diane Sullivan

Cover image: Caleb Kenna

PJ Day

THIS ISSUE OF Kids

VT is filled with wintersurvival tips. Here’s mine: Schedule a pajama day.

My family spent an entire day in our flannels during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The only time we left the house was to walk the dog.

We don’t normally lounge around. My partner, Ann-Elise, works at a nursing home and is in her final year of nursing school. My job is full time and then some. Outside of work, we’re constantly on the go, driving from playdates to basketball games to the sledding hill to Regal Gymnastics.

But we woke up one morning that week, and it was snowing, hard. We took that as permission to hunker down at home. Graham and Ivy played with their Christmas presents. I read books. Ann-Elise brought out her sewing machine and worked on a project.

We weren’t intentionally avoiding getting dressed, but around 11 a.m., when we realized none of us had changed into our clothes, we decided none of us would.

Instead, we spent the afternoon playing board games — Carcassonne and Hoot Owl Hoot!, two new favorites. We made popcorn and watched a movie none of us had seen before. We ate all three meals together.

Staying in our PJs made the day special. It was also a commitment to spending uninterrupted time together. You can’t exactly do errands or pop into the o ce in your bathrobe, right? We decided to have

another pajama day again, soon. I recommend it.

Of course, you can’t stay inside forever. When you’re ready to venture forth, our winter day-cation roundup (page 22) o ers lots of options. Or try out the Itty Bitty Skate Program at Leddy Park — Alison Novak gives it a good review in “Fit Families” on page 11.

As always, there are hundreds of events in the Kids VT calendar (page 33) — including the upcoming Kids VT Camp & School Fair on Saturday, February 2, at the Hilton Burlington. Admission is free. C’mon down and join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

This issue begins Kids VT’s four-month focus on summer camps. Check out our Camp Guide (page 26), which begins with Erik Esckilsen’s story comparing and contrasting day and sleepaway sessions.

And be sure to read Tasha Lehman’s “Use Your Words” essay this month (page 51); her husband recently deployed overseas with the Vermont Air National Guard. It’ll make you appreciate the men and women who serve in the military, the loved ones they leave behind and the time you get to spend with your own family.

— Cathy Resmer, executive editor

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Eliza Eaton (“Vermont Day-cations: Winter Edition”) runs the website MiniBury.com, an insider’s guide to family-friendly activities in Middlebury. She lives in nearby Weybridge with her husband and two young kids.

Tasha Lehman (“Use Your Words”) blogs about baking, crafting and home renovations at MyHomemadeHappiness.com. She lives in an old farmhouse in Williston with her husband and three boys.

Mark Redmond (“Because Project”) is the executive director of Spectrum Youth & Family Services and the author of The Goodness Within: Reaching Out to Troubled Teens With Love and Compassion

READERS RESPOND

Mending Minds

I was really glad to see this subject addressed in the magazine [“Ask the Doctor: How can parents recognize depression in their kids?” December/January], and that anxiety was also touched upon. The article is well written. However, there are other aspects of treatment that were left out: holistic therapies for kids! These therapies cover the whole child — body, mind, spirit and emotion. Even the National Institutes of Health recognizes the e ectiveness of chiropractic and acupuncture treatments for children.

In Vermont, we probably have more holistic practitioners

per capita than any other state! On “Holistically Speaking,” the weekly show I produce for Vermont Community Access Media in Burlington, we have interviewed more than 25 local, established practitioners since March of 2012. I urge readers to view the 30-minute show on Burlington-area cable channel 15 on Fridays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Most of our shows are also available on YouTube and some are on the VCAM website.

Kate Lanxner South Burlington

Best of the Kids VT Blog

COLORING CONTEST

Whoa! Our combined DecemberJanuary issue really was double the fun — at least if you go by the Coloring Contest numbers. We received a record-breaking 258 entries and thoroughly enjoyed watching a new waddle of penguins arrive in the mail each day. Thanks for all the colorful creations.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

BEST BELLY BUTTON

“Norman Normal”

Tristen Meyer, 11, Underhill

FLUFFIEST ’FLAKES

“First Snowfall”

Ashley Tierney, 9, Vergennes

FRIENDLIEST FISHIES

“On Ice”

Sophie Schuyler, 6, Colchester

GLAMOROUS GLOBETROTTER

“Traveling Penguin”

Maeve McCullagh, 8, Colchester

IMPRESSIVE IMPRESSIONISM

“Starry Night Penguin”

Anna Pringle, 8, Essex

PIRATE PERFECTION

“Captain Jack Penguin”

Jasper B. Hanson, 10, South Burlington

PLEASING PALETTE

“The Very Artistic Penguin”

Dahlia Rubin, 8, Burlington

SUPERB SWIM SHORTS

“Penguin Plunge”

Emma Lowry, 9, Burlington

SWEETEST SURROUNDINGS

“A Penguin in a Candy Cane Forest”

Isabella Rottler, 6, St. Albans

TERRIFIC TEAMWORK

“Rainbow Penguin”

Benjamin and Katherine Lewis, 5 and 11, Essex Junction

WONDERFUL WATERCOLOR

“Penguin’s New Skis”

Said Harper, 6, Montpelier

These winners get $25 from TD Bank.

“Spotlight On” series: In anticipation of the Kids VT Camp & School Fair on February 2, we’re profiling each of the participating programs to o er a sneak peek at summer fun.

ZANIEST ZIG-ZAGS

“Lily the Christmas Penguin”

Zoë Hilferty, 7, Williamstown

TOP TITLES

“HUG ME”

Maggie Prong, 4, Colchester

“JUST CHILLIN’”

Emily Kneeland, 4 FAIRFAX “Rainbow Penguin”

“Home Cookin’: Broccoli-Cheddar-Cauliflower Soup”: Cold temps call for a piping-hot bowl of soup. Kids VT managing editor Carolyn Fox shares her favorite recipe. Visit

Garett Ward, 8, North Hero

“WADDLE WINTER WONDERLAND”

Sophia Van Zyl, 5, Addison

Silas Sandshaw, 8 MORRISVILLE “Paisley the Penguin”

Taryn Turner, 10 SOUTH BURLINGTON “Art Penguin”

“Burke Mountain Academy senior Mikaela Shi rin featured in the New York Times”: A 17-year-old ski student is named an early favorite for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

THE BEAT

BY CAROLYN FOX AND CATHY RESMER

PRODUCTS

Quilts for Kids

This Christmas, Jennifer Martin’s 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter each found small sewing machines under the tree. That brings them one step closer to being like their mother, who launched MY LITTLE VERMONT QUILTS on Etsy late last year. The online shop, operated out of Martin’s Highgate home, specializes in baby blankets, bunting and fabric-based home décor. “I used the name My Little Vermont Quilts because I particularly like doing quilts for kids,” she explains. Shoppers from all over

FITNESS

Well Positioned

the U.S. and Canada have shipped nostalgic childhood items to her for use in personalized memory quilts. “Being a mom, it’s just so special to have memories like that,” Martin says. What sets her apart from the thousands of other Etsy fabric shops? A ordability — baby memory quilts range from $50 to $80 — and an “anything goes” ethic. Send her onesies and baby socks, or photos and newspaper articles. “I like the challenge,” she says.

— C.F.

MY LITTLE VERMONT QUILTS: Info, mylittlevermontquilts@ gmail.com, etsy.com/shop/mylittlevtquilts

In late December, ABC News announced a fitness trend sweeping the nation: kids yoga. That’s old news at Burlington’s Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga, where director Susan Cline Lucey has been instructing classes for infants, toddlers and school-age kids since 2006. Now she and artist Tove Ohlander of AO Glass are hoping to spread the “craze” beyond the studio with STAR POSE, a new yoga-instruction book for children. The simple second-person text and colorful illustrations walk young readers through an easy routine of stretches, standing poses and imaginary space travel. “It lends itself to kids wanting to do the positions themselves,” says Cline Lucey, noting that the book is the first in a series. Future editions will explore tree pose and sun salutations. Namaste.

— C.F.

STAR POSE: by Tove Ohlander and Susan Cline Lucey. Self-published, 28 pages. $14.95. Info, weloveyogavt.com

BUSINESS

Prepare for Arrival

Childbirth educators and doulas Jenna Thayer and Genie Henry have always made hospital visits and house calls. Now, expectant moms can visit them in a new studio. Together, the pair runs BIRTH JOURNEYS, a service founded in 2001 by Amy Armstrong to help expectant parents navigate pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. On January 6, Birth Journeys o cially opened a new teaching space in Burlington’s Union Station with an afternoon of reflexology, baby yoga and natural henna. The cozy, carpeted studio — equipped with couches and colorful globe lights — is available for baby showers and blessingways, gatherings geared more toward blessing mom and baby than giving gifts. It also hosts expanded Birth Journeys services such as pregnancy massage, a bimonthly pregnancy circle and a natural-medicine class. “We want families to feel informed and supported,” explains Thayer, “and, just as important, we wanted the space to be warm, welcoming and comfortable, like hanging out at home.”

— C.F. BIRTH JOURNEYS: 1 Main St., Suite 214, Burlington. Info, 324-8809, vtbirthjourneys.com

CONTEST

The Write Stuff

Kids tune in to Vermont Public Television to watch “Curious George,” “Dinosaur Train” and “Sesame Street.” But every year, the local PBS a liate invites its young viewers to turn o the tube and create stories of their own for the PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST. This annual literary competion, which opened this year on January 7, accepts entries from budding authors and illustrators in grades K through 3. Contestants submit the text of their story, accompanied by at least five original illustrations. Judges from local community partners — including Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont Deparment of Libraries and Kids VT — choose a winner from each grade. Among last year’s top titles: “Eddie the Possum With No Tail” and “Tiger Goes to the Moon.” VPT is accepting this year’s imaginative entries until March 22.

— C.R.

PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST: Contest rules and entry forms at vpt.org

BOOKS

Off the Map

Grade-school geography teaches that Earth has seven continents, but that’s not the case in THE EXPEDITIONERS AND THE TREASURE OF DROWNED MAN’S CANYON, a new book for middle-graders by Vermont author S.S. Taylor. New land is constantly being discovered in this dystopian novel, which chronicles the adventures of the West children: tomboy M.K., dauntless Zander and bookish Kit. After the mysterious death of their father, a master explorer, the orphaned trio follows his clues to half of a secret map that raises more questions than it answers. Simultaneously foreign and jarringly familiar, this steampunk world of gadgets and gold treasure is imaginatively captured by illustrator Katherine Roy, a graduate of White River Junction’s Center for Cartoon Studies.

— C.F.

THE EXPEDITIONERS AND THE TREASURE OF DROWNED MAN’S CANYON: by S.S. Taylor and illustrated by Katherine Roy. Published by McSweeney’s McMullens, 320 pages. $22. Info, sstaylorbooks.com

What should parents know about food allergies and intolerances?

By Ken Picard

ChIlDRen Who DeVelop food-related allergies and intolerances can experience symptoms ranging from minor tummy aches to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic shock. These reactions are more common today than they were 30 years ago, and parents, school officials and health care providers have adapted new ways of managing them — peanut-free school lunchrooms and gluten-free cafeteria menus are two examples.

This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, touches on what parents should know about how these dietrelated disorders affect children.

KIDS VT: What’s the difference between food allergies and food intolerances?

LEWIS FIRST: A food allergy is a condition in which the body develops a reaction to a food that causes the release of chemicals, called histamines, that result in a true allergic reaction. In mild cases, this can be itchiness, tingling of the lips, rashes or hives. In more severe cases, the reaction can cause swelling of body parts, difficulty breathing and shock. It can be life threatening.

A food intolerance is more a problem with digesting food appropriately. It doesn’t release histamines but results in inflammation in the digestive tract.

KVT: What are the most common food allergies and intolerances?

LF: Peanuts, nuts, seafood, eggs and soy are the most common food allergies. Celiac disease and lactose intolerance are the most common food intolerances.

KVT: What is lactose intolerance?

LF: It’s the inability of the body to break down lactose, found in many dairy products, into simple sugars. If you can’t break down lactose into simple sugars, it cannot get absorbed and “goes out the back.” That’s why you get a lot of bloating, gas, cramps and diarrhea.

KVT: What causes celiac disease or gluten intolerance?

LF: Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. It’s one of the most-consumed products in our diets, second only to sugar. When someone is unable to tolerate gluten, the body produces antibodies that fight against it, which also fight against and flatten the lining of the intestines. That makes absorbing nutrients and vitamins difficult. Both celiac and lactose intolerance produce bloating, abdominal pain, excessive gas, fatigue and even weight loss.

KVT: Can celiac or lactose intolerance create nutritional problems?

LF: With celiac, a child may not gain weight. Malnutrition and even anemia may become issues as the gut is inflamed.

With lactose intolerance, there are simple ways to replace what the child is not getting from dairy products. With kids, we need to be sure they’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. So as

drink a certain kind of milk, and then a doctor measures the hydrogen and methane levels in their breath. For celiac, blood tests allow doctors to make that diagnosis. However, as this is a lifetime disorder, parents want to be absolutely sure and so will usually have their child’s intestines sampled with a biopsy, since occasionally a blood test may produce a false positive.

KVT: Do food allergies or intolerances change over time?

LF: They can. Most kids outgrow egg and soy allergies by age 5. But the peanut, tree nut, seafood, celiac disease and lactose intolerance are pretty much with you for life. People should understand that peanuts and tree nuts are not the same, as peanuts aren’t really nuts but legumes. So not every child who has a problem with peanuts is going to have a problem with cashews.

long as your child gets enough calcium through other foods such as broccoli, calcium-fortified juices, some cheeses and lactose-free dairy products, he or she will be OK.

KVT: Are celiac disease and lactose intolerance easy to diagnose?

LF: No. Since they have many of the same symptoms, it can be like playing a game of Clue. Initially, a family may have multiple suspects in play. Most kids are going to have a mix of grains, dairy products and maybe some shellfish in their diet.

Parents should be sensitive to when their kids don’t feel good, and begin to play detective. For example, if kids feel uncomfortable right after eating dairy products, that should raise suspicions for lactose intolerance. Confirmation requires a type of breathing test, in which children

KVT: Do food allergies get progressively worse with each reaction?

LF: No. The idea that if you’ve had one, the next one is going to be worse, like a bee sting, hasn’t been shown to be true. But any child who has had an allergic reaction to food should have ready access to an EpiPen (epinephrine autoinjector). Schools, friends and daycare providers must be made aware of the food allergy, and school-age children should be carrying their own EpiPens and know how to use them. Every child with a food allergy should also have a MedicAlert bracelet that identifies what he or she is allergic to and its treatment. Any time an EpiPen is used, the child should still go to the emergency department, because he or she may still have a recurrent reaction within a couple of hours once the epinephrine wears off. K

Diagnosing food intolerances can be like playing a game of Clue. Initially, a family may have multiple suspects in play.

Ice, Ice Baby

Cavernous Leddy Park arena feels strangely quiet on a wintry Monday morning. No clacking of hockey sticks. No pucks ricocheting off the fiberglass. But follow the long pathway underneath the bleachers to the small studio rink at the end of the building, and there’s action of a different sort.

The rink — located in Burlington’s New North End — is littered with colorful plastic balls, action figures, soft foam blocks and tub toys, all small enough to fit into the mittened fists of a preschooler. The toys are a key part of Leddy’s Itty Bitty Public Skating program, which introduces young children to skating.

This morning, a dozen budding skaters under 6 navigate the ice, trying to pick up the scattered toys. Each uses a rudimentary but highly effective tool: two stacked milk crates that have been bolted together.

The crates are the ice-skating equivalent of training wheels, allowing kids to cruise around with ease until they’re ready to skate independently. The crates are also a handy platform for the toys, which the kids scoop up and drop into beach buckets. When their buckets are full, they hand them to skating instructor Julie MacDonald, who scatters the loot back over the ice.

According Kathy Knauer, Leddy’s arena program manager, Itty Bitty Public Skating started eight years ago as a way to make young children feel comfortable on the ice.

It has done just that for my own kids. I started bringing my daughter, Mira, last winter when she was 4. Always the cautious one, she initially held on to the milk crates for dear life. Most of our time was spent skating in tandem, with me supporting her under the armpits, a technique MacDonald recommends for timid skaters.

Mira gradually gained confidence, and after about six sessions last winter and one this year, she abandoned the milk crates and began skating on her own wobbly legs.

Meanwhile, my daredevil son, Theo, who is almost 3, took to the ice this year like a mini Gretzky. His second time in skates, he was full steam ahead, barreling across the rink with the crates in front of him, begging me to chase him.

MacDonald, who’s been teaching skating for 32 years, circulates from family to family during skate sessions, doling out encouraging words and tips. When one father explains his child is ready to pack it in after just minutes on the ice, MacDonald recommends a snack break instead. But, she advises, leave the ice skates on while the child is munching.

“Once you take those skates off, it’s over,” she says.

MacDonald has instructed kids as young as 16 months and says it’s not age that determines readiness, but a willingness to try. “As long as you can find skates to fit their tiny feet and as long as they can walk,” she says, there’s a place for them at Leddy Park Arena. K

Where To go: itty Bitty Public skating runs Monday and Thursday mornings from November through March, 10-11:30 a.m., at Leddy Park Arena in Burlington. There’s no age limit, though the program is designed for the preschool set. Call 865-7558 or visit enjoyburlington.com/leddypark. cfm for more information.

PrICes: $8 per family or $70 per punch card (worth 10 visits); $1 per person for skate rentals.

WhaT you need: kids should wear winter coats, snow pants, hats and mittens. A helmet that covers the back of the head and forehead is recommended.

knoW beFore you go: Baby carriers aren’t allowed on the ice. However, strollers and pull sleds for younger children are permitted. The bathroom is located on the opposite side of the arena, so take a potty trip before you lace up the skates.

Peacock’s summary: Life wasn’t easy during the Great Depression, the era in which the newest historical novel from Newbery Medalwinning Christopher Paul Curtis takes place. The “Mighty Miss” of the title is 12-year-old Deza Malone, a star at her Gary, Indiana, school who possesses an indomitable spirit.

But Deza’s family suffers several setbacks. When her father can’t find a job, he leaves town to find work. Deza, her mother and her brother set out to find him after her mother loses her job, too. They wind up in a Michigan Hooverville.

The trials they endure — including homelessness and racial prejudice — illustrate the challenges many families faced during those lean years. Still, the Malones find a way to make it through, with “Darling Daughter Deza” leading the charge. Curtis has developed a wonderful, complex cast of characters sure to have you laughing, yelling in frustration and holding out for a happy ending.

Why you’ll like it: This book stole my heart from the very first chapter.

LIbrarIan: Hannah Peacock, youth services librarian and assistant director, Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester book: The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis age range: 9 and up

Deza is the sort of strong, kind and opinionated young protagonist who makes you want to share in her hardships and triumphs. It is a story full of the love and respect that keeps a family close.

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future LL?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

The milk crates are the ice-skating equivalent of training wheels.

Kids learn to glide at Itty Bitty Public Skating

Hearth & Candle

shrimp, mashed potatoes and green beans ($22).

My preteens were excited, however, to see that the kids menu included appetizers. They each ordered fried mozzarella sticks and savored every gooey bite while they worked intently on their coloring pages — one winning entry, selected daily, scores a free sundae the next day.

my fAmily’s dEfiniTion of aprèsski eating usually involves a pile of wet outerwear on the floor and sandwiches for dinner. But after a recent outing, I knew we were out of bread, so my husband, our twins and I opted for après-ski the traditional way — tucked inside the warm, upscale setting of Hearth & Candle at Smugglers’ Notch Resort.

We came straight from the slopes and found the small upstairs dining room empty, though it filled with families, resort employees and couples over the course of our meal.

Some of them, like us, were local, but Hearth & Candle also caters to resort guests on luxury ski vacations,

and the prices reflect this. Entrées such as prime rib, chicken stuffed with ham and cheddar, and braised short ribs cost $25 and up. But the kids menu is a bargain, with entrées — your standard burger, noodle and chickenfinger fare — priced between $5 and $7.

There is also a “young diners’ menu” for those too old for the kids menu but not yet adventurous enough for the adult version. (What 13-yearold wants duck confit?) For some reason, our otherwise attentive server didn’t give us that menu. I found out about it after our meal — a shame, since my 11-year-olds would have appreciated choices like the Oscar Jr., a petite filet mignon served with grilled

My day-skiing kids wouldn’t be around to collect the prize, but the activity gave me and my husband a quiet moment to sip après-ski drinks and enjoy our shrimp-andgrits appetizer. Its bright lemon flavor and buttery richness made up for the tiny size of the portion.

Our meals, well flavored and made with quality ingredients, came quickly. Each dish was good but felt like the workingman’s version of a gourmet meal — a bit disappointing, considering the prices. My husband’s wild-boar gnocchi sounded amazing, but both the meat and dumplings were dry. The steak that my son ordered off of the main menu came medium-rare as ordered, but the outside was charred enough to put him off.

My cedar-plank salmon was the best of the bunch. Firm but moist, it

was drizzled in a delicious creamy lemon-butter sauce. The sautéed Swiss chard that accompanied it was cooked to perfection — not too crunchy, not too soggy and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. I enjoyed mine so much I ate my husband’s, too. The kids-menu burger was big enough to satisfy my hungry daughter, though she could have put away a few more fries.

Except for the charred steak bits, we cleaned our plates and had room left for dessert. The maplebrioche bread pudding and brownie sundae were both good, but not lick-the-plate fantastic. My daughter, on the other hand, ordered her first crème brûlée, and it was love at first bite. Hers was the best of the desserts we tried and worth coming in for again next time Mommy “forgets” to buy bread and we are forced to après-ski in style. K

oUr bill for foUr: $162, including drinks and tip

Kid-friEndly AmEniTiEs: two different kids menus; daily coloring contest; straw cups for small diners; four high chairs; two booster seats.

“Out to Eat” is a monthly family-friendly restaurant review. Where should we eat next? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Explore BELLWETHER

Learn more about how holistic education helps children reach their full potential. Now enrolling for 2013-2014.

Six weeks of SUMMER CAMPS for children ages 3-13. See our website for more info.

My daughter ordered her first crème brûlée, and it was love at first bite.

My 6-year-old recently began going on her own. It just kind of happened. There was no conversation or advance plan. We didn’t consult our baby center or a developmental chart. I went up to the door of the women’s room one day, looked down at her and said, “Why don’t you just go in there by yourself?” And she was like, “OK!” So, she trucked off in there and I stood outside and then she came back out and flashed her hands at me to prove that she’d washed them. And, lo and behold, she was going to the bathroom on her own.

I’ve only been worried once. I sent her into one where the sliding door lock made me nervous that she might lock herself in. But it didn’t happen.

She’s recently become a little, shall we say, dishonest about the washing of her hands. I should carry around a washable marker, put a big “X” on the back of her hand every time and say, “That has to be gone by the time you come back!”

KirK Flanagan burLINGTON insurancE agEnT/local musician

Actually, because they’re sisters, my two girls just started going in there together and sort of looked out for each other. They were probably kindergarten age — 4 or 5 years old; they’re teenagers now. If I was alone with them, I might just stand outside the door.

It also depended upon the venue. In some public places, like JFK airport, I remember shuttling them into the men’s room with me when they were 5 and 6 years old, and we’d all go into a handicap-accessible stall so they could do their thing.

But once they started going on their own, they were pretty independent and resourceful. I never had to send anyone in to check on them. It was bringing them into the men’s room that was the weird thing, with all these guys lined up at the urinals.

EriK FilKorn

rICHMOND

PuBlic ouTrEach managEr, VErmonT agEncy oF TransPorTaTion

My daughter is 9 years old and has been using public restrooms on her own for the better part of a year. A lot of it has to do with the kind of restroom and the overall scenario. Early emancipation locations going back a couple of years include Cochran’s Ski Area, the Richmond Free Library, the ECHO Center and a number of airport terminals — especially when there was a “family” facility available.

We’ve been in some sketchy locations, like Porta-Potties at music festivals in New Orleans or less-than-appetizing gas stations, accompanied and not. It’s a balancing act between their confidence and your own confidence and familiarity with the facility itself and the people around you. Sometimes I worry, but mostly I don’t. She can handle herself pretty well and has no problem telling me when it doesn’t feel right to her.

miKE Brown

faIrfaX

hEalTh and Physical-EducaTion

TEachEr, BFa-FairFax

No one in the family remembers exactly when it happened for our two girls, who are teenagers now. But a dad will know it’s time when his daughter’s nervousness about being alone in the ladies’ room pales in comparison to the embarrassment of following her dad into the men’s room.

Bigger picture, I believe dads play an important role in helping their daughters grow into strong, confident, independent young women. It’s our instinct to take care of our little girls and to keep them safe. When appropriate, we need to fight that instinct. By doing so, we challenge our daughters and teach them the same lessons of responsibility we teach our sons.

Paul adams eSSeX JuNCTION English TEachEr, BurlingTon school disTricT

When did you decide to let your daughter go into the women’s restroom on her own?

She’s recently become a little, shall we say, dishonest about the washing of her hands.

Paul adams

— IntervIewS compIled & condenSed by Ken pIcard

Tap Dancing

by eri C a houskee P er

“ o ne, T wo, T hree, four,” counts Abbie Rock as she slowly scuffs her shiny black shoes against a bright wooden floor. After receiving kudos from her instructor, the 6-year-old — wearing pink tights, a leotard and a tutu — sits down to watch the next girl take a turn. Abbie’s beaming.

The girls are students in the Beginning Tap class at Fusion 802, a Colchester dance studio that also offers ballet, jazz, Zumba and hip-hop. Abbie took ballet here last year but asked her mother to sign her up for tap this time around.

“The actual sound of tap dancing really interested her,” says Sarah Rock, Abbie’s mom, who also took tap lessons

as a child. “Abbie just really wanted to move her feet.”

Fusion 802 owner Nicola Boutin teaches the class; she began tap dancing at age 2 in England, where she grew up. She cites physical activity, improved coordination, muscle strengthening, counting practice and learning rhythm among tap’s many benefits. It’s also a way of communicating — to Boutin, each step carries its own tone and mood.

“Tap dancing is like talking, and it allows our own personalities to come out,” she explains. “Tap shoes are an instrument, and I listen to each child individually to hear what they have to say.”

Preschool-age Children Who Stutter

Children who stutter between the ages of 3 years 0 months and 5 years 11 months are invited to participate in a research study of emotions and stuttering at the University of Vermont.

Study will involve two appointments before and after participating in stuttering therapy at the clinic. Parents will be asked to complete questionnaires. Participants will be compensated, and some requirements for eligibility must be met.

For more information, please contact Dr. Barry Guitar at: 802-656-0207 or Barry.Guitar@uvm.edu

Tap almost became a lost art. The dance form, which dates back to the 1800s, peaked in the era of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly before slipping into decline in the mid-20th century. But over the past decade, tap dance has enjoyed a healthy resurgence, thanks to dancers such as Gregory Hines and his protégé, Savion Glover; children’s movies such as Happy Feet; television’s “So You Think You Can Dance”; and Broadway’s Newsies.

There are two major variations of the genre: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. The former is more traditional and emphasizes the music, while the latter focuses on visual presentation and is widely performed in musical theater.

Boutin’s challenge is to teach simple rhythmic steps to young children with limited attention spans. She keeps the class fun and engaging by playing a variety of music, from Kidz Bop Kids’ “Forget You” to Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down.”

“With little kids, it’s hard to keep them interested,” says Boutin. “What is so great about tap dancing is that you

can tap dance to literally anything. That helps keep kids entertained.”

Boutin also plays games to help children understand the importance of listening to their percussive footwear.

To teach a four-beat riff, she asks students to squash imaginary apples with their heels and kick them away with their toes. “Now stomp your heels to see if you can splat apple juice in my eye!” she coaches playfully. Her students happily oblige.

“I want kids to feel as passionate about dance as I do,” Boutin says.

“Kids can come up with their own style and fun steps and really express themselves.”

Abbie’s mom enjoys watching her daughter show off her rhythmic side.

“Tap dancing is very challenging, and there are all of these tiny steps,” says Rock. “But Abbie really enjoys it. She loves to make noise and be loud.” K

if you go:

fusion 802 offers tap-dance classes on weekdays and saturdays; the beginner class enrolls students ages 6 to 8. Classes cost $15 each, or $50 per month for one class per week. tap shoes are required. Call 444-0100 or visit dancefusion802.com for more information.

“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

matthew thorsen

Tap dancing is like talking, and it allows our own personalities to come out.

nicolA BouTin

Nicola Boutin demonstrates a tap move

BECAUSE

The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation supports statewide prevention programs for children and families to help give all kids a fair chance at success.

The Because Project asks Vermonters to share their stories about people and experiences that have shaped their lives, especially during their formative years — stories that may inspire others to get involved. Because together we can all make a di erence.

Ihad been a business major in college and my first job after graduation was in an elite training program at an insurance company in New York City. There were only about a dozen of us, and we were slated to become the future presidents and vice presidents of the company. I found an apartment o of Park Avenue. I thought I had it made.

And then one day I talked to a college friend who was working at Covenant House, a nonprofit that sheltered homeless and runaway teens. They were looking for volunteers to help out during the evenings. I told her I’d go over, play basketball and hand out sandwiches one night a week.

Every Tuesday, I’d change out of my business suit, put on jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt, and take the subway uptown to spend a few hours at Covenant House. After a few weeks, I started to get to know the kids there. Most had grown up in extremely di cult circumstances, surrounded by unemployment, addiction and crime. I met people like Tony, a 19-year-old who had spent his entire childhood being shuttled from one institution to another — his mother had left him and his siblings in Harlem when she moved to North Carolina.

Working with these kids, hearing their stories and seeing them cling to the prospect of a positive future despite everything they had endured made me question my carefully planned career path. Helping a $6 billion-dollar company become a $7 billion-dollar company started to seem much less important.

So I quit my job, left my apartment, and gave my car to my brother and my suits to the Salvation Army. Covenant House had a residence for full-time volunteers who committed to stay for at least one year; I moved in. They assigned me to work on a floor with 40 teenage males who were there because they had nowhere else to live.

My friends thought I was nuts. I’m sure more than a few of my coworkers did, too. But I felt like this was my calling. I didn’t really know what I was doing, and they gave me very little training. But I learned as I went along; 32 years later, I’m still learning.

Believe it or not, I’m still in touch with Tony. He was at my wedding, and I was there when his girlfriend gave birth to their daughter — in fact, Tony asked me to be her godfather. My wife and I were able to help her get into one of the city’s best charter schools.

I’m very glad I took my friend up on her request to volunteer. That once-a-week commitment turned out to be a lifelong passion.

MARK REDMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECTRUM YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

I decided to work with homeless teenagers BECAUSE I volunteered at a shelter.

Daycare Nightmares

How do parents know when Vermont childcare providers break the rules?

By Ken Picard

When working parents research childcare for their kids, most will tour the facility, meet the sta and find out about the daily schedule: When do the kids eat? When do they nap? What time is pickup?

The provider’s regulatory history may never come up. If a place looks clean and the kids well cared for, parents may not ask about it.

They should.

Otherwise, they may never learn about incidents like this one: In June 2012, a 3-year-old boy attending the Ed-U-Care Children’s Center, a licensed daycare provider in Essex Junction, walked o the premises and wandered across four lanes of tra c on Susie Wilson Road. Luckily, a passing motorist spotted him in the middle of the road and pulled him out of harm’s way.

According to a subsequent investigation by the Vermont Department for Children and Families’ Child Development Division, Ed-U-Care sta ers never notified authorities that the boy was missing, as required by law whenever a child disappears from a licensed daycare facility. As a state o cial said later, “Someone just didn’t count heads.”

Parents researching Ed-U-Care for their daycare needs can check the center’s regulatory history on the Bright Futures Child Care Information System

— the state’s online portal for accessing the regulatory histories of all licensed and registered daycare providers. There, they’ll see that Ed-UCare was cited for 15 violations between February 2006 and June 2012.

But they won’t read an account of the June 2012 incident on Susie Wilson Road. The state requires childcare providers send notification letters to parents when serious violations such as this one occur. Those letters include detailed licenser field reports. But the Bright Futures public database indicates only the regulations that were broken — not an account of what actually occurred.

Here’s how Bright Futures describes the violations of the June 2012 event: “Each child shall be visually supervised at all times in person by sta (except sleeping infants who are subject to inperson checks every 15 minutes) ... Children must be visually supervised while napping/resting.”

Based on this description, a parent wouldn’t know whether the provider merely left a toddler napping for a few minutes to change another child’s diaper — or, in this case, a child walked out a door and into tra c.

To discover more about the incident, prospective parents have to ask the center or file a publicrecords request with the state, as journalists do. That’s how Kids VT got the details.

ED-U-CARE OWNER JUDITH MCKENZIE claims the June incident was an isolated one — “an unfortunate accident,” she says, adding that the sta er who was responsible was fired.

“It was a terrible thing that happened, but it could happen to anybody,” explains the 27-year industry veteran. “I’ve su ered terribly from this, as has everyone in the center.”

Indeed, the state inspection afterward didn’t find a “pattern of neglect,” according to Reeva Murphy, deputy commissioner for the Child Development Division — there were no missing fences, unsecured doors or broken gates, she explains. That’s why the state didn’t suspend or revoke Ed-U-Care’s license.

“Certainly, if we had kids walking away from the same place more than one time, we might suspend,” she adds. “Kids have walked o the premises even in five-star places ... We just have to make those judgments.”

But parents may have reason to question the state’s oversight, too. Just because a childcare provider has been licensed by DCF doesn’t necessarily mean it’s clean, caring, educational or safe.

O cials with the Child Development Division readily admit they lack the sta and funding to visit every program at least once a year, as the law requires — making it virtually impossible to observe any pattern of violations. Some facilities, especially home-based programs, can open for business and operate for years without a state licenser ever setting foot inside to make sure that it’s free of safety hazards and has operable smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors.

Vermont currently has only seven licensing field specialists to oversee and inspect 1577 regulated programs statewide. That’s a caseload of 225 programs per licenser — the highest ratio of any state in the country.

That will change this year. The state budget gives CDD funding to hire two additional licensing field specialists, bringing the state’s total to nine and reducing the average caseload of each licenser to 178 programs. But Murphy says they’d need another two licensers to inspect all programs annually. Licensed daycare centers, which are larger and have stricter rules than registered, in-home daycare programs, are far more likely to receive a state visit. Currently, 90 percent of all licensed centers in Vermont are inspected annually, but only 47 percent of home-based programs are.

Elizabeth Meyer is executive director of Child Care Resource in Williston, a nonprofit that helps connect parents with daycare providers. Last year she told the Senate Committee on Appropriations that, all too often, her sta are “the only professionals who lay eyes on a Chittenden County program in a given year.” According to her own statistics, in the previous year, licensers visited just 55 percent of all regulated programs in Chittenden County; 14 percent — 44 programs — had no recorded state visits at all.

Popping the Questions

Child-welfare experts urge parents to ask potential childcare providers lots of questions, such as: “Are you registered with or licensed by the state of Vermont?” “Have you ever had any documented complaints by childcare licensing?” and “If so, what were the problems and how have you corrected them?”

While it may feel uncomfortable at first, most of the relevant information, such as a program’s regulatory history, is public information, and parents have a right to request it from the provider or the state.

Parents can also turn to Vermont’s community childcare-support agencies — every county has one. Usually, these agencies aren’t allowed to make recommendations, only referrals, but they can help parents identify providers, look up regulatory histories and explain other ways of measuring quality.

Additionally, the Vermont Department for Children and Families has a voluntary rating system called STARS — STep Ahead Recognition System — for childcare, preschool and after-school programs. Providers who choose to participate in STARS have shown a willingness to go above and beyond the minimum state regulations. The one- to five-star rating system provides parents with a way to gauge the qualifications of the program’s staff and the programs offered. Of course, even STARS programs aren’t perfect; Ed-U-Care maintains a three-star ranking.

EVEN WHEN INSPECTORS do visit and find problems, they rarely suspend or revoke a license. As Murphy explains, regulators “walk a fine line” between protecting children and maintaining an adequate supply of providers to meet the demands of working families.

“Our most important responsibility is to protect the health and safety and well-being of kids in the program. That’s number one,” Murphy says. “But number two, we also want to build a vibrant system so that when parents are looking, they have good choices to make. So, we want to increase supply. We don’t want to just be shutting people down.”

She notes that license revocations “tend to be messy” and happen “very rarely — maybe only four or five times a year in center-based programs.” In fact, the state revoked only two daycare licenses in 2012, one of which is under appeal and still operating.

“Sometimes,” Murphy adds, “it’s much better for us and more timely for parents and kids if the provider voluntarily goes out of business.”

Murphy says her agency prefers to work with daycare providers to improve their practices. When they don’t, she says, mandatory

A 3-year-old boy walked off the premises and into Susie Wilson Road.

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parental-notification letters “allow the parents to say, ‘Wow! That’s the last straw for me!’ And then the market takes care of the problem, because you can’t stay open for long if your parents are leaving.”

But even if current parents leave, there’s often a new crop of clients waiting in the wings. Finding a ordable childcare in Vermont, especially for infants and toddlers, is challenging. And not all parents are savvy enough to request and review licenser field reports.

But every parent would want to know about the conditions found at Feels Like Home Playschool, a licensed daycare center in Essex Junction. Feels Like Home racked up 16 violations in 2012 alone, several of which were serious enough to warrant mandatory notification letters home to families.

Here’s what the Bright Futures database says about the rules broken: “Derogatory or humiliating remarks made by sta in presence of children or families are prohibited”; “Infants shall be held during bottle feedings unless they are able to hold their own bottle and wish to do so”; and “No employee, volunteer or parent shall use any form of inappropriate discipline or corporal punishment.”

The state licenser’s seven-page field report, dated November 6, 2012, paints a far more disturbing picture of the violations at Feels Like Home. That report indicates that a sta member “grabbed and squeezed a child’s face with one hand, followed by pushing the child away because the child walked into a puddle.”

Another entry indicates that “sta frequently yell at children in an abrupt, harsh tone on an almost daily basis. A sta member was observed yelling at a crying child while face-to-face with this child.” That same sta er was later observed “changing to a positive, friendly tone upon a parent’s arrival.” Still another employee was overheard telling a child, “If you hurt that baby, I swear to God you’re gonna sit outside until your mom gets here!”

According to the licenser’s report, the “derogatory or humiliating remarks,” included “sta call[ing] children names such as hog, retard, moron, idiot, stupid and momma’s boy.”

Other notes suggest that physical and emotional abuse took place, such as “sta engage in threatening behavior that is frightening for children.” In one instance, a teacher “motioned quickly toward the child’s head with the back of her hand as if to hit the child, followed by kissing the child on the head.”

The licenser further documented that “one teacher held a preschool-age child by the ankles, swinging the child like a bat at a dodgeball thrown at the child by a second teacher ... hitting the child in the chest area several times. The child’s arms flailed and the child appeared to be upset.”

The licenser also documented potentially life-threatening bottlefeeding practices. In one case, an infant was observed sleeping in a portable crib with a “boppy pillow placed under the infant’s head, with a blanket wrapped around the sides to hold the bottle in the infant’s mouth.”

The licenser immediately notified the facility’s managers and sta that such practices put infants at serious risk of choking, as well as sudden

infant death syndrome (SIDS). The managers’ response? According to the report, she stated that her sta had been “repeatedly” warned not to do this, but that supervisors “don’t know what else to do when sta do not follow directions.”

Many of the violations documented by the regulator would have gone undetected and unaddressed were it not for independent video footage provided to investigators — footage the state says is no longer available, in response to a records request by Kids VT

SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE

Another entry indicates that “staff frequently yell at children in an abrupt, harsh tone on an almost daily basis.”

But the report also indicates that sta provided information to licensers on five previous site visits that was “false and designed to impede and deter CDD investigations.” In other words, the sta at Feels Like Home evidently knew what they were doing was wrong, if not dangerous and illegal, but did it anyway and tried to cover it up.

This still wasn’t enough for the state to suspend the center’s license.

“No corporal punishment was observed,” says Murphy. Sta behavior “was what we considered inappropriate guidance behavior.” She says the licenser spent four days at the facility afterward, which she calls “a long time” — a typical visit lasts a few hours. The owners notified parents and made sta changes, and regulators increased their surveillance with repeated follow-up visits.

“[Our sta ] had this huge discussion at the time that kids should not be subjected to this every day, that these people are just mean. And I agreed with them 100 percent,” Murphy says. “But again, if I’m going to shut this place down because these people are unpleasant, do I have a valid [reason]?”

A spokesperson for Feels Like Home, who agreed to speak to Kids VT on condition that she not be identified, claims that many of the findings in the state’s report were untrue. She claims the allegations about derogatory and humiliating language were actually spoken by parents, not sta . She admits that a child was held by his feet but claims the child “giggled”; she denies that a dodgeball was ever thrown at the child.

The only allegation she admitted to was the most serious: that a child was left sleeping in a crib with a bottle in its mouth.

“Yeah, we deserved that,” the spokesperson admits. “It was wrong of them to do it, because we always told them not to,” but she claims there was always a sta person nearby.

Such denials run contrary to what several former clients say about Feels Like Home. Those parents, some of whom asked not to be identified, pulled their children out of the Essex Junction center prior to the state’s visit in November. All say the state’s report is consistent with their own children’s experiences there.

One mother says her daughter attended Feels Like Home for about

Reviewing the Regs

Vermont is in the process of reviewing and overhauling its regulations governing daycare programs. Last year, the state hired an outside contractor, the National Association for Regulatory Administration, to review its current procedures and recommend best practices based on what other states are doing.

According to Reeva Murphy, deputy commissioner for the Child Development Division, the newly proposed rules will be made public and presented to the legislature in the next few months. During that time, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in and offer comments and suggestions on how those rules can be further improved. Watch for updates on the process on the Kids VT blog at kidsvt.com.

five

months. She claims her daughter, who has a speech impediment, often came home crying and complained that sta made fun of her because of the way she talked.

Teeshia Farmer, of Essex, claims she once arrived to pick up her 9-month-old son “on a cold, 40-degree fall day” and found him outside in an “ExerSaucer,” soaking wet and crying. She says she pulled him out of the center the next day and never returned.

Melissa Barrows, of Westford, tells Kids VT that she found a “handprint” on her child’s arm that clearly showed “three fingers and a ring.” She says a sta er admitted to having restrained the child but explained the injury by saying that “some kids bruise easily.” She, too, reports that her child often came home complaining that the “daycare people were being mean to me” and “calling me names.”

“I couldn’t get my child out of there fast enough,” Barrows adds. “I can’t believe this place is still open.”

It is, though. They have about 20 clients and are advertising openings for more.

Find the Bright Futures database and links to childcare resources at dcf.vermont.gov/child_care.

Day - cations

Yep, it’s still cold outside — and it will be for at least a couple more months. Need help finding the wonder in winterland? We sent writers to three Vermont towns and asked them to bring back ideas for budget-friendly family fun that’s not too far from home. Their suggested cures for cabin fever range from skiing to museum hopping and chowing down at an indoor farmers market to playing air hockey and Whac-a-Mole.

Their itineraries include nearby attractions, as well as affordable places to eat. For more meal tips, pick up the current edition of 7 Nights: The Seven Days Guide to Vermont Restaurants and Bars, available at more than 1000 locations statewide, or online at sevennightsvt.com.

Now, bundle up and hit the road! These day trips are designed to help you make the most of Vermont’s signature season.

st. Johnsbury: OmniGlobe Trotting

By Na N cy sT ear N s Bercaw

The holidays were over, and cabin fever was upon us. My 8-year-old son, David, and I desperately needed a change of scenery.

A friend pointed me in the direction of St. Johnsbury’s Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, a colossal collection of curiosities, telescopes and taxidermy — and home to the studio where Vermont Public Radio produces its “Eye on the Sky” weather forecast.

“‘Eye on the Sky,’” I yelled to David.

“We’re going to the moon?” he asked.

“Moon-schmoon.” I suggested a day trip to St. J, where I knew there was also a beautiful library we’d both love. David was up for it.

“Hop in the jalopy,” I told him.

The 76-mile drive from Burlington was easy. David played Minecraft on his iPod while I let my mind drift. We arrived at our destination in need of good food and clean potties, both of which we found at Dylan’s Cafe.

A fine Mediterranean wrap and a tasty bacon cheeseburger hit the spot. As we ate, our eyes roamed the walls, taking in Burlington photographer Matthew Thorsen’s “Sound Proof” exhibit, a quirky collection of images of Vermont bands at play. The restaurant

offered another bonus: a very warm restroom. I hate cold toilet seats.

Full-bellied, we found our way to the Fairbanks. Within minutes, we were obsessed with the eccentric, Victorian-era museum.

Where else on Earth can you find stuffed animals — the previously alive kind, including a Bengal tiger — sharing space with paper dolls of Shirley Temple and outfits from the Civil War? How about “portraits” of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington fashioned from perfectly placed beetle carapaces and moth carcasses, along with loads of fossils, rocks and pickled specimens from far-flung places? Zoological collectors of yore must have had a field day finding this stuff. And it’s everywhere in the museum.

Our eyes bugged out. Look at this! No, look at this! We got whiplash.

David’s foremost fixation was the OmniGlobe, a giant interactive sphere showing life on Earth. Press a button, and it shows the spread of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, lighting up areas that were affected by the surge. Other buttons display the surfaces of every planet in our solar system, and areas on Earth where human suffering is most severe.

We simply could not take our eyes off this interactive installation and consequently missed the planetarium lecture about the night sky, which would have been another $5 each. Instead, David made good use of those funds in the gift shop, on miniature bottles of rocks.

On our way out of town, we stopped by the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a library and gallery, to take a gander at the architecture and art, as well as the impressive stacks and staircases. David quickly made himself comfortable with Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth in the children’s area.

the omniGlobe at Fairbanks museum & Planetarium

St. Johnsbury Athanaeum

montpelier: A Lot of Fun in the Little Capital

By H E l E n Roc K

Exploring the nation’s smallest state capital has long been on our family’s to-do list, but we always seem to be driving by Montpelier, not to it. One recent snowy Saturday, we finally took Exit 8 off the highway.

First stop was the Capital City Farmers Market. As we stamped the slush from our boots, live music beckoned us inside the gymnasium at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

My farmer husband, Andy, immediately saw an old friend, Suzanne Long from Luna Bleu Farm. We beelined over to her veggie-laden tables to say hello before taking a spin around the gym.

There was more fresh produce than prepared food, but lots of options for eating, including carrots, pastries, Greek yogurt, bread, cheese, curry and samosas. My 9-year-old son, Davis, tried a pork tamale from Gracie’s Tamales, which he said was good and “not spicy.” Ian, 7, and I picked sweets from Wise Owl Bakery — I went for a flourless chocolate brownie, and Ian opted for a molasses cookie and a cider donut. At 90 cents apiece, he simply had to buy both.

After we left the market, the kids ran to a small ice rink in the center of the college green; there was a shovel for DIY ice clearing lodged in a nearby

middlebury: A Wonder Carpet Ride

By Eliza Ea T on

My family is active, but Vermont’s long winters make it challenging for my husband, Chris, and I to keep our two young children — Beckett, 3, and Wren, 20 months — moving. Toddlers don’t mix well with icy temperatures, but staying inside the house brings on the winter blues. So we try not to let the cold slow us down too much.

Wanting to take advantage of a recent snowfall, we grabbed breakfast to go at Middlebury Bagel & Delicatessen and hit the road for the Middlebury College Snow Bowl, a 20-minute drive from downtown. The Snow Bowl is a small ski area with a new draw for kids that we’d been itching to try out: the SunKid Wonder Carpet.

Beckett was instantly drawn to the conveyer-beltlike ride up the hill. He loved being able to get on and off the lift independently, and we loved not sweating our tails off carrying him up the hill! The best part, though, is that the Carpet is free, which means no pressure to stay out all day.

Wren’s a bit young for skiing, but she had a blast playing in the snow at the bottom of the slope. When everyone’s cheeks were good and rosy, we headed inside the lodge for the requisite mugs of hot cocoa. Chris introduced the kids to the Snowflake Corner upstairs, where books and art supplies helped extend our fun until grumbling stomachs indicated it was time for lunch.

We headed back to town to eat at Sama’s Café. The mac and cheese was a big hit with our kids, and a falafel wrap and steak-and-cheese sub hit the spot for us adults.

At this point, Wren was ready for a nap, so we packed the kids into strollers and slowly made our way across the Otter Creek footbridge, admiring the icy waterfall while Wren slept peacefully and Beckett happily threw snowballs. Next was a quick stop at the Ilsley Public Library to read books and play with wooden trains.

Energy levels boosted, we continued our big day out at Whirlie’s World. For $4.25, both kids gained unlimited access to two indoor bounce houses, one with jousting that would be great for older kids, and

one with an open bounce space, climbing wall and two slides that was perfect for our little guys.

Because we were the only family there, the owner gave Chris and I the OK to get in on the bouncing

The indoorgolf room at Whirlie’s World

Skiing the Middlebury College Snow Bowl

St. Johnsbury

continued From p. 22

Meanwhile, I took a long, hard look at artist Albert Bierstadt’s 10-by-15-foot “Domes of the Yosemite” painting from the gallery’s doorway — without paying the $8 entry fee. As someone who works in a library, I was reluctant to give my hard-earned cash to a place that had just laid off its librarians en masse

Just as we set out for home, snow started falling, and the roads quickly turned into a slippery mess. I was tuned into VPR for news and “Eye on the Sky” for the entire three-hour, white-knuckled trip back to Burlington.

Know before you go:

• The Fairbanks museum, 1302 main St., is closed on mondays from november through march. admission is $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and children ages 5-17, and free for children under 5. Give yourself a lot of time to linger. info, 7482372, fairbanksmuseum.org.

• The st. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 main St., is closed on Sundays during the winter. admission for the art gallery is $8 for adults and free for town residents and children under 13. info, 748-8291, stjathenaeum.org.

Where to eat:

• dylan’s café, 139 eastern ave., is a locally owned restaurant serving local produce. i liked the sky-high ceilings and cozy booths. david adored the French fries. our sandwiches were $10 apiece. info, 748-6748.

Also nearby:

• The stephen Huneck Gallery at dog mountain, 143 parks rd., sounds fabulous for people and their pups. there are no leash laws, and the grounds are great for hiking and snowshoeing. dog mountain is always open to the public, even beyond the gallery hours of operation. info, 748-2700, dogmt.com.

middlebury

continued From p. 23

action. Honestly, is there anything more fun than an empty bounce house? We were all warm — and sweaty! — by the time we tumbled out.

Then it was on to the arcade area.

Air hockey ranked first for Beckett, and Wren loved hammering on a Whac-AMole-type game. The black-light room for indoor golf, while free for ages 5 and under, intimidated our shy guy. The full concession stand and redemption prizes were also alluring, but we decided to call it a day.

Sure sign of a successful daycation?

Smiles from exhausted kids in the back seat.

Know before you go:

• middlebury college snow Bowl, 6886 Vermont 125, Hancock, is open daily. Weekday lift tickets for adults and students are $25, full day; $20, half day. on weekends and holidays, adult tickets are $46, full day; $38, half day. Student tickets are $34, full day; $28, half day. Kids under 6 are $10. there’s an on-site rental shop. Group lessons are available for kids ages 5 and up; private lessons available for all ages. info, 443-7605, middleburysnowbowl.com.

• The ilsley Public Library, 75 main St., is open daily. info, 388-4095, ilsleypubliclibrary.org.

• Whirlie’s World, 1232 exchange St., is closed mondays through Wednesdays. unlimited bounce house admission is $7.50 for ages 6 and up; $4.25 for ages 2-5; free for kids under 2. Socks are required in the bounce houses. info, 989-7351, whirliesworld.com.

Where to eat:

• middlebury Bagel & delicatessen, 11 Washington St., has arguably the best bagels and donuts in Vermont. they’ll also make you waffles if you ask nicely. info, 388-0859.

• sama’s café and middlebury market, 54 college St., has high chairs and a variety of kid-friendly food, though no official kids menu. our kids shared a generous portion of mac and cheese ($2.20); adult lunches cost $6-11. info, 388-6480, samascafe.com.

Also nearby:

• memorial sports center, 296 buttolph dr., has public skate and stick-and-puck hours, as well as a stock of stacked milk crates kids can use when learning to skate. public skate is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, free for kids under 5. Stick and puck is $5. Skate rental is $4. info, 388-1238, memorialsportscenter.org.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

caleb K enna

snow bank. The boys raced back and forth on the ice in their boots, quickly burning off their market snacks.

Time for lunch! We headed downtown to the Mad Taco, where the food was fresh, flavorful and fast.

Our next stop: the Vermont History Museum. The 186-and-a-half-pound stuffed catamount in the entryway was a showstopper. Ian and Davis read the whole story of who shot it and why before we officially entered the museum.

For 45 minutes we meandered through the main exhibit, “Freedom and Unity: One Ideal, Many Stories,” which explores Vermont people, politics and commerce. The boys liked walking through the wigwam, feeling the selection of fur pelts, playing at the miniature farm display and typing messages in Morse code on a telegraph.

We finished our tour by adding to the storyboard at the end of the exhibit, sharing what we like about Vermont in winter.

“Snowball fights,” wrote Ian.

We still had energy to check out some of the places we’d passed on our way to the museum, starting with the Book Garden, a tidy, narrow shop with new and used books, LEGO Minifigures, and board games, including the Settlers of Catan. We ducked into Woodbury Mountain Toys a few doors down, which is packed floor to ceiling with games, pinwheels, costumes and bins of trinkets we couldn’t help playing with. Nearby, Delish, a candy shop that sells pieces by the pound, proved popular with the kids, who had some allowance money to burn.

I grabbed coffee from Capitol Grounds and was lured into Chill, a gelato shop, where a a pink batch of Beetiful was being spooned from the mixer — a mouth-watering flavor made from roasted beets, Mascarpone cheese, sugar, cream, poppy seeds and orange

...you’re family now

Intimate, comfortable and confident. The Copley Birthing Center gives our moms and babies the kind of care that only a small, family oriented facility can offer. From our homey décor of cozy quilts and soothing earth tones to the comfy, hand-made knitted caps we give to each new arrival, our family of doctors, nurses and midwives provide our moms and newborns with a very personal level of support, both physically and emotionally.

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zest. It’ll turn you into a beet lover if you’re not already.

Before heading home to Burlington, we fueled up on a few more gelato flavors and made a stop at Hubbard Park for some last-minute sledding. It won’t be long before we return to Montpelier, though; the state capital is small, but now we know it’s full of big fun. K

Know before you go:

• capital city indoor Winter Farmers market takes place two Saturdays a month, december through april, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Vermont college of Fine arts gymnasium at the corner of east State and college Streets, Montpelier. pack a cooler for any purchases. info, montpelierfarmersmarket.com.

• The Vermont History museum, 109 State St., pavilion building, is open tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. admission is $12 for families or $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students and children ages 6-17, and free for children under 6. info, 828-2291, vermonthistory.org.

• Parking the capitol plaza Hotel & conference center on State St., has public parking and is centrally located. it’s free on Saturdays. We parked here after the market and walked everywhere except for Hubbard park, which is less than 10 minutes away.

Where to eat:

• The mad Taco, 72 Main St., is open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and offers friendly counter service in a casual setting. We recommend the carnitas; specials vary. info, 225-6038, themadtaco.com.

• chill Gelato, 32 State St., is open Friday through tuesday. $3.25 for a small cup; choose one or two flavors. info, 223-2445.

Also nearby:

• The Vermont statehouse, 115 State St., is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free guided tours are available from July through mid-october.

• Pain Management including Epidurals

• Lactation Support

• Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section (VBAC)

The Road Not Taken

Vermont Flower Show

March

Family Room Entertainment: Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Grand Garden Display: Filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of Springtime! A road less-traveled — explore, discover, be enchanted!

Delish

Summer Sessions

Summer Sessions

When today’s parents were kids, summer camp probably meant weeks of wilderness immersion with time spent swimming, singing and making lanyards. But for many families, the camp experience has changed. Their kids now attend shorter sessions or commute to day camps closer to home. Camp staffers and experts explain the trend by noting several societal shifts: School years are longer than they used to be; parents are more interested in having their children specialize in an activity, such as playing an instrument or learning a sport; and kids have increased demands on their time during the summer.

The pros and cons of sleepaway and day camp.

BY ERIK ESCKILSEN

Helicopter parents, constantly worrying over their offspring, are also a factor. As Jeremy Plane, assistant director of the YMCA-affiliated boys’ Camp Abnaki in North Hero, puts it: “Sometimes a kid is really ready for camp, and a parent is not.”

As a result, sleepaway camps are now competing with an ever-expanding array

of day camps, many of which offer varied specializations at attractive prices. Which is right for your child? We weigh the pros and cons of both, even if it’s a little like comparing juice boxes to s’mores.

Want

discuss

day versus sleepaway decision with camp staff in person?

Boys learn the basics of sailing at Camp Abnaki

2013 Summer CampS

June 24-28: Camp regal’s Got Talent

July 8-12: Disney

July 15-19: Hollywood

July 22-26: Gone Country

July 29-aug 2: Fantastic Gymnastics

august 5-9: Jungle Safari

august 12-16: On Broadway

august 19-23: Hawaiian Luau

Each theme week will offer gymnastics, arts and craft projects, outdoor play, fun activities and a SHOW on the stage of our two story castle every Friday. Two snacks and lunch provided 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Extended hours available.

campS

oVerniGhT sensaTions

iT TaKes a WiGWam: The consensus among some camp administrators is that sleepaway camps engage kids in community building to a far greater degree than day camps. Living cooperatively with seven or eight strangers, Plane points out, requires skills that can be tough for youngsters to learn. “Those are important things that are part of growing up that kids are not getting in school or in other settings,” he says.

A strong camp community, notes Camp Abnaki director Jon Kuypers, can engender an ethic of cooperation. “You spend a week at camp, and you realize how important it is that people help each other out,” he says. That sensibility is important at Abnaki, he adds, where campers are guided toward specific character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. At Abnaki, these goals are stated explicitly in the camp’s motto, “Help the Other Fellow.”

Anne Sherrerd, a Greenwich, Conn., mom who attended Camp Songadeewin, a girls’ camp on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, has relived that sense of community while watching two of her three daughters become “Songa women.” Even in trying circumstances, she says, the girls have learned to support each other.

But most circumstances at camp are joyful. One of Sherrerd’s daughter’s camp friends once managed to throw her a surprise birthday party while on a canoe adventure — complete with a cake cooked over a campfire.

Friends For liFe: While community and character building are camp goals, lasting friendships

daydream BelieVers

Pay as you Go: Without the cost of room and board, day camps are naturally less expensive than sleepaway ones. One of the more popular Burlington-area day camps, for example — the Petra Cliffs Summer Mountain Adventure Training Camp — costs roughly $300 per week. Raptor Camp — a weeklong birding program run by Outreach for Earth Stewardship at Shelburne Farms — costs about the same. Town recreation department day camps can be even cheaper. The lighter financial burden can be a blessing, especially to parents stringing together multiple camps over the summer.

Fun in Focus: Burlington dad Dan Maxwell and his wife have been enrolling their daughters, now 8 and 11, in a patchwork of day camps since the girls graduated from preschool. The girls like being able to focus on specific skills and interests, with the flexibility to shift to something else a week or so later. Unlike at sleepaway camps, the benefits are more skills based than social, says Maxwell, “giving them something they can do year-round,” such as rock climbing at Petra Cliffs. Sailing instruction was

are what make former campers get misty-eyed. Ferrisburgh dad Ed O’Hara, an alum of the all-boys Camp Dudley in Westport, N.Y., still keeps in touch with friends from his camp days. And he’s seen two of his three daughters forge strong bonds with peers at Camp Kiniya in Colchester, which was purchased by Camp Dudley in 2004. “The youngest one has a close friend from Pennsylvania whom she texts now and then with, ‘Meet you at breakfast,’” he says. “They’ll do that in the middle of January.”

selF-sTarTers: Most parents of sleepaway campers can’t help but notice their kids are different when they come back. “She goes away for a month, and her confidence level rises,” O’Hara says of his youngest daughter, now 14. “Both girls that have been [to camp] are very self-confident … They go, and I don’t hear things about the peer pressure or trying to be someone that you’re not.”

Burlington mom Mattie Scheidt has noticed similar changes in her kids when they return — her 10-year-old daughter from Camp Killooleet in Hancock and her 11-year-old son from Camp Chewonki in coastal Wicasset, Maine. “I think [camp] is teaching them how to make choices without having to seek other adults and always needing to come to us,” she says. “They come back with more self-esteem, and they’re learning skills that [my husband and I] might not necessarily be good at or want to be good at.”

hiTTinG The oFF sWiTch: Many camps prohibit cellphones and internet use. Ellen Flight, director of Camp Songadeewin

and president of the Vermont Camping Association, says these policies “give kids the skills for engaging people-to-people. That’s the only option at camp.”

Mahlon Stewart, a New York City resident who spent some formative summers at Camp Keewaydin Dunmore, Songadeewin’s “brother camp,” also on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, credits the very real fresh air of Songadeewin with helping his 13-yearold daughter rediscover her truer nature.

“Each year, when we go up to the midseason barbecue, she is relaxed and the happiest I see her all year,” he says. “I think there’s a certain decompression that happens at camp where she’s allowed to be the person she is without the extraordinary pressures of school and city life.”

more BanK For The BunK:

For all their timeless appeal, sleepaway camp comes at a contemporary cost. Some of the more established camps and their affiliates, such as the Keewaydin and Dudley camps, can run upwards of $1000 per week. Do the math for an eight-week session — ka-ching! YMCA-affiliated camps, such as Camp Abnaki, offer voluntary tiered pricing, which puts the cost at roughly $600 to $800 per week, with discounts for multiple sessions and campers.

Appreciating the barrier that cost represents to many families — and the value of a socioeconomically diverse camp community — camp administrators undertake energetic fundraising for scholarships. The YMCA puts its money where its mouth is, Plane says: “One of our mandates is that cost is not an obstacle in being a participant in our program.”

another highlight of a weeklong day camp, offering an experience that his girls wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Burlington mom Betsy Rosenbluth says her daughter, Mari, 11, has been able to choose a variety of day programs in keeping with her interests: art and theater camps, raptor camp, and a Petra Cliffs camp experience that included caving.

TesTinG The WaTers: Day camps can also act as “feeder” camps for longer sleepaway sessions. According to Plane, the Abnaki day-camp program serves this purpose to an extent, although the day and sleepaway camps don’t mix much.

Rosenbluth and her daughter are in the midst of making the transition to sleepaway camp. Rosenbluth attended camp growing up around Cleveland, Ohio, but says she let her daughter decide if and when she was ready to leave home for an extended period.

Now that some of Mari’s friends are starting to attend sleepaway camp, the 11-year-old has come around to the idea. Her choice: a

three-and-a-half-week session at Farm and Wilderness Camp in Plymouth. Rosenbluth is pleased with the choice.

“There’s something, now that she’s in middle school, that’s really great about her just being with other middle schoolers and on her own,” she says. “That, for me, is really exciting.”

The commuTe and The calendar: While Maxwell is disinclined to send his girls to sleepaway camp for long stretches, he also acknowledges some limitations to day-camp hopping. For one thing, while day camps are meant to mesh with parents’ work schedules, if his daughters are attending day camps in different towns, it’s a lot of driving. The fees for late pickups add up quickly, increasing the day-camp expense.

Then there’s the puzzle of researching and registering for day camps in the wintertime to cover the summer months.

With two kids at sleepaway camp, Scheidt no longer has that problem. “The February crunch — I don’t miss that at all,” she says. K

“she goes away for a month and her confidence level rises.” ed o’hara

Talent Development Institute

Summer 2013

For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning!

Johnson State College

June 23-29, 2013

“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged….TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper

For more info and electronic version of brochure, please go to vermontgifted.org and tdivermont.com. Or contact Lucy Bogue at lucybogue@yahoo.com or 658-9941.

Dynamic wholechild based school is accepting applications until June 1 for the 2013-2014 school year.

Rawson Memorial Library, Underhill

For more information, visit mansfieldcooperative.org or contact Julia Lesauskis at learntoliberate@gmail.com

Animal Adventures ages 7-9: Half-day camp with themes like Dog Day, Feline Friends, Careers, Shelter Day, and Animal Safety. (Choose between AM or PM session.)

Summer Safari ages 10-12:

A full-day camp that includes the above themes and incorporates a fascinating video project focused on animals.

Summer Sessions:

July 8-12 | July 15-19 | July 22-26

(Choose Between AM or PM) AM: 9am-12pm | PM: 1pm-4pm July 29-Aug 2 | August 5-9 | August 12-16 Full Day

802.862.0135 x24

www.chittendenhumane.org

NAEYC Accredited Preschools in Burlington, Shelburne, & Williston

Kindergarten Grade 8 State Approved Independent School

of

Sponsored by:

FEB CALENDAR

A civilized night at the symphony goes awry in PROFESSOR KUBÍNEK

MEETS THE VERMONT

YOUTH ORCHESTRA. But don’t worry; it’s all part of the plan. Whether he’s impersonating a mad conductor or prancing around as a pink ostrich, vaudevillian theater artist

Tomás Kubínek lends over-the-top theatricality to classical masterworks skillfully performed by the area’s musical up-andcomers. The comic relief serves as an accessible introduction to Mozart, Bach and Dvořák.

PROFESSOR KUBÍNEK

MEETS THE VERMONT

1 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: Stay-at-home learners hang with peers as they improve their needlework. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Dance

First Friday Family Dance: A wholesome evening of live music and dancing ends with a song circle. All ages. Worcester Town Hall, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5-12. Info, 229-0173.

Fairs & Festivals

Colchester Winter Carnival: Theater, music and dance performances highlight three days of frosty fun. Other activities include pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting and laser tag. All ages. Colchester High School, 5-8:30 p.m. $6; free for kids under 3. Info, 264-5643.

MontPolar Frostival: The First Friday Art Walk kicks o this inaugural weekend of music, dance, snow sculpture, ice skating and more. Downtown Montpelier, 4-8 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 223-9604.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: Fans of cocoacovered confectionery experience the tempering and dipping process. All ages. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, ongoing, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: Players exercise their problemsolving skills in battles and adventures. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Dancin’ With My Baby: Rock, reggae, pop and hip-hop inspire movement in parents and young dancers. Ages 6 weeks-preschool. Windancer Movement Center, Middlebury, 10-11:15 a.m. $12. Info, 388-3381.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment gives tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under. YMCA, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5-8 per family. Info, 862-8993.

Kids Open Gymnastics: Tykes tumble and jump while adults connect with other families. Snacks provided. River Arts, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-10. Info, 888-1261.

Open Gym: Little ones bound around on big blue mats. Sunrise Gymnastics, Barre, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-5 & 5-7 p.m. $10 per child; $5 per each additional sibling. Info, 223-0517.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: Young gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months-6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family; preregister. Info, 652-2454.

Toddler Yoga & Stories: Little ones strike a pose during tale time. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Picture books, finger plays and action rhymes captivate babies, toddlers and

preschoolers. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Stuffed-Animal Sleepover: Furry friends spend the night at the library. Drop them o on Friday and pick them up — and see a slideshow of their adventures — on Saturday. Fairfax Community Library, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Movies

After-School Movie: Film bu s put up their feet and watch a flick, popcorn in hand. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Music

First Friday Youth Classical Music Concert: Young instrumentalists perform polished solos, duets and trios in an aesthetically and acoustically beautiful setting. All ages. Christ the King Church, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Donations accepted for young musicians in need. Info, 864-6411.

2 SATURDAY, P. 34

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2 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Valentine Hanger: Participants fashion heartfelt seasonal decorations to hang in their windows or give to a teacher or friend. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646. saturday Kids drop-in class: Clay crafters mold heart charms. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

community

sleigh Rides: Weather permitting, jingling horses trot visitors over the snow on a wintry tour of rolling acres. Rides leave every half hour; seats are first come, first served. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $6-8; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8442.

Education

Kids Workshops: Children learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they build a different project each session. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-0039.

one-on-one Tutoring: Students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences school youngsters in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Fairs & Festivals

Burlington Winter Festival: Call it a “wintry mix”: The Queen City plays host to the Penguin Plunge, a family expo, the Young Tradition Concert, a snow-carving competition and more. All ages. Downtown Burlington, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 864-0123. colchester Winter carnival: See February 1, 8:30 a.m.8 p.m.

‘Kids VT’ camp & school Fair: Ready for summer?

Representatives from more than 60 camps and schools share information about exciting programs to look forward to. See calendar spotlight on page 38. All ages. Hilton Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5482. montPolar Frostival: See February 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Penguin Plunge: Stouthearted swimmers in creative costume dunk themselves in Lake Champlain to raise funds for Special Olympics Vermont. Waterfront Park, Burlington, check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; plunge at 11 a.m. Free to watch. Info, 863-5222, ext. 105.

snowshoe Festival & Winter Party: Families shake cabin fever on nature hikes and dog-sledding demos — and then shake the chill with live music, hot cocoa and s’mores over a bonfire. Green Mountain Club, Waterbury, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-10; free for GMC members. Info, 244-7037.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music, lunch seating and face painting. All ages. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

caledonia Winter Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. Welcome Center, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Junior iron chef Vermont: Middle and high school students duke it out for cafeteria supremacy in a culinary competition celebrating the state’s farm-to-table routes. All ages. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 9 a.m.3 p.m. $3 per person; $5 per family. Info, 434-4122.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: Farmers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from local artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447.

submit 1 FRidAY p. 33

Rutland Winter Farmers market: More than 50 vendors sell local produce, cheese, homemade bread and other made-in-Vermont products. All ages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 779-1485.

Games

Queen city chess club: Pawn pushers study the board in a quick lesson with a coach, followed by a few matches. Ages 5-14. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 324-8450.

Health & Fitness

Enosburg Tumble Time: Children burn off some extra energy with play time in the gym. Ages 6 and under. Enosburg Elementary School, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment gives tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under. YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5-8 per family. Info, 862-9622.

michelle Haff & Tyler st. cyr: A naturopathic physician and education attorney, respectively, discuss naturopathic treatment alternatives, as well as what to consider when a school recommends medicating your child. All ages. Avalon Natural Medicine, Burlington, 1-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 578-9866.

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 3-5. Highgate Public Library, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Library & Books

Fancy Nancy Tea Party: Pinkies up! Young ones don finery for crafting, dancing and sweet sips. Ages 3-7. Milton Public Library, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

montPolar Frostival storytelling: Jane Napier, Ben Matchstick and Tim Jennings take shifts sharing tales. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, young children attend from 10:30-11:15 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m. time slots are for older children. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Russian story Time: Language learners tune in for words, puppetry and crafts. Ages 6 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. stuffed-Animal sleepover: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

music

Young Tradition showcase: In conjunction with the Burlington Winter Festival, rising-star musicians and their teachers or mentors share their tuneful talents. A pizza break and family contra dance follow. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 6-9 p.m. $15 suggested donation.

Nature & science

Gearing Up: Kids engage in a moving exploration of machinery. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

optical Tops: Seeing things? Small scientists explore how rotational motion can create visual illusions. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. owls & Their calls: Whooo made that noise? Inquisitive types learn all about our nocturnal neighbors. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

Raptors Up close: Little nature lovers discover the fascinating lives of birds of prey through touchable artifacts and hands-on materials. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 2 p.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: Families say hello to the Jersey herd, draft-horse teams, sheep and oxen on their wanders through an operating dairy farm. There are hot-spiced cider and educational movies in the visitor

center. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 2. Info, 457-2355.

Education

dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Theater out of the Box: creative Play for Little People: Mini actors develop characters and settings using costumes and props from a “magic box.” Ages 5-6. Barre Opera House, 9:30-10:15 a.m. $15. Info, 476-0292.

saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 (or pay what you can). Info, 863-6607.

3 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to a tone-up class addressing sore shoulders and backs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 12:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

Fairs & Festivals

colchester Winter carnival: See February 1, 12:15-2:15 p.m.

montPolar Frostival: See February 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 1.

Lollipop Races: Fasten your bib! Young skiers fly down the Mighty Mite hill. Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, 1 p.m. Free with $14 youth lift ticket. Info, 434-2479.

Lyndon center Public skating: Families slide and glide over the frosty rink. All ages. Fenton W. Chester Ice Arena, Lyndon Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. $3; $3 rentals. Info, 626-9361.

open Gym: See February 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m. st. Albans Public skating: Families stay warm with smooth moves on ice. Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, 12:15-1:45 p.m. $3. Info, 524-1500.

music

Young musicians’ Recital: Up-and-coming instrumentalists practice their art form. All ages. Vergennes Opera House, 2 p.m. $3-5. Info, 877-6737.

Nature & science

owls & Their calls: See February 2.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2.

Raptors Up close: See February 2. straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Turtle discovery: Young naturalists learn about shelled natives and take a close look at those residing in the museum’s aquariums. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

4 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

Yoga After Baby: New moms focus on their core, pelvic floor and arm strength, bringing their infants along if they choose. Shambhala Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.noon. $10. Info, 778-0300.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2. 4:30-6 p.m. spanish immersion class: An experienced teacher offers an interactive music class en español. Ages 1-5. Tulsi Tea Room, Montpelier, 9-9:45 a.m. $15. Info, 917-1776.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: Large, easy-to-use hoops and great music make for a funky fitness/dance experience. All ages. Windancer Movement Center, Middlebury, 7-8 p.m. $8-12 per child, accompanied by an adult. Info, 388-3381. open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Highgate Youth Advisory: Students plan youth programs at a monthly meetup. Grades 5-8. Highgate Public Library, 3-4:45 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. RU12? Rainbow Reading Hour: LGBTQA families come together for stories and activities. Ages 6 and under. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 5:306:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Teen Advisory Board: Adolescents gather to plan library programs. Yes, there will be snacks. Grades 9-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Write Now!: Bestselling authors-to-be get inspired to put that poem or story on paper. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Young Adult Advisory Board: Tweens and teens discuss how to make the library a destination for likeminded kids. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

shake Your sillies out: Tots swing and sway to music with children’s entertainer Derek Burkins. University Mall, South Burlington, 10:35 a.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Nature & science

Books & Beyond: Children’s literature meets hands-on activities for science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:15-11 & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

5 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

craftacular Tuesdays: Kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. National Pancake day: Diners score a short stack of buttermilk flapjacks on the, er, house. All ages. IHOP, South Burlington, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Free; donations accepted for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. Info, 658-3303.

Games

chess club: Checkmate! Kids of all ability levels scheme winning strategies. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Health & Fitness

dancin’ With my Baby: See February 1, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Library & Books

Kids & cash!: Stories and games teach little ones about money and kick off the Reading Is an Investment Contest. Snacks and door prizes included. Kindergarten-grade 6. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Theater

From Page to stage: Aspiring actors explore a classic children’s book, then reinvent it in a theatrical adaptation. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 3:45-5:45 p.m. $10. Info, 355-1461.

6 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Valentine card-making Workshop: Crafty romantics gather to pen love letters. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. $5; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding-mom support: New mothers get to know each other during this informative and informal session. Children welcome. Grace Church, Rutland, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 747-8665.

Education

NooK Kids APPtivity: Tablet-tapping tots play, create and learn on store-provided devices and kid-friendly apps. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m. social Thinking: Kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism develop their social skills. Call for times. Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford, Info, 446-3577.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cookie decorating: Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Panadero Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8278.

Counting Crows

Counting all the birds on the planet is no easy feat. That’s why THE GREAT BAcKYARd BiRd couNT calls on “citizen scientists” to keep an eye on the sky. In order to help researchers learn about global climate and migratory patterns, participants of all ages report their feathered findings to birdsource.org — and a few local birding hotspots make it more fun with site-specific activities. Introduce your little avian enthusiast to bird songs and species through guided field walks, bird-feeder crafts and interactive computer games. Then grab your binoculars and go!

THE GREAT BAcKYARd BiRd couNT: Saturday, February 16, 8-10 a.m. bird-monitoring walk at Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, followed by a 10 a.m.-3 p.m. open house at Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington. All ages. Donations accepted for bird-monitoring walk; $3-6 for open house. Info, 434-3068. vt.audubon.org

Saturday, February 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. All ages. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org

Sunday, February 17, and Monday, February 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee. All ages. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 359-5000, ext. 233. vinsweb.org

Games

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1. Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3, 2:454:15 p.m.

open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Toddler Taekwondo: Instructor Kellie Thomas offers a playful introduction to this ancient martial art. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Library & Books

Book discussion for Homeschoolers: In separate groups, kids in grades K through 3 and 4 through 8 participate in activities related to award-winning reads. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Bibliophiles voice likes and dislikes about award-nominated books such as The Flint Heart. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Richford PJ story Time: Kids gather with friends for bedtime prep through stories, songs and crafts. Ages 6 and under. Arvin A. Library, Richford, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Youth media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs make movies and explore technology in this drop-in collaboration with Middlebury Community Television. Grades 3 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Preschool music With Raphael: Little ones dance and sing to guitar tunes. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Nature & science

Preschool discovery Program: Guided outdoor explorations and craft projects teach adventurers about the natural world. Ages 3 to 5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-8. Info, 229-6206.

The Woodchuck’s Winter: Little ones examine how the groundhog stays warm enough through the winter to look for his shadow. Ages 3-5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-8. Info, 229-6206.

Theater

‘The Notion of motion: slapstick science’: Dr. Quinton Quark clowns around while illustrating inertia, force, acceleration and more. St. Johnsbury Academy, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. $4. Info, 748-2600.

7 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and bond over stories and advice. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 524-7970.

La Leche League of Essex: Moms and little ones meet to discuss parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3. 1:30 p.m.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2. 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

shelburne magic club: Illusionists practice card tricks and share their most successful sleights of hand. Grades 5-8. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Library & Books

Fairfax PJ story Hour: Children don pajamas to listen to a story and make a craft before bedtime. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Food for Thought: Teen volunteers chow down on pizza while tackling library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Hand in Hand: This kid-initiated volunteer group participates in service projects for the good of the community. School-age children. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097. Homeschoolers’ Book Group: Out-of-classroom learners gather for talks on a variety of books. Ages 10-14. St. Albans Free Library, 1-2 p.m. Free; regular attendance required; preregister. Info, 524-1507.

music

‘Beethoven’s Wig’: Four opera singers add whimsical lyrics to a symphony orchestra’s presentation of 10 pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Haydn and more. Grades 1-5. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 10 a.m. $5-10. Info, 603-448-0400.

Williston Kids music With mister chris: Singer, storyteller and puppeteer Chris Dorman leads kids in song and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Nature & Science

Homeschool Winter Series: Stay-at-home scholars unravel the wonders of the natural world as they smarten up about teeth, beaks, feathers and thorns. Separate sessions for grades 1-3 and 4-6 run simultaneously.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10-11:30 a.m. $10-12 per child; free for adults; preregister. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

Parenting

Help Your Child Become Money Smart!: Participants explore how to teach their youngsters about spending, saving, budgeting and credit. For parents and caregivers of elementary-school-age kids. Childcare available. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 388-4097.

8 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See February 1.

Education

Homeschool Project Day: Out-of-classroom students present their current studies with peers. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Fairs & Festivals

Great Ice in Grand Isle: Ice skating, dogsled rides, a roaring bonfire, a chili cook-o and the F-F-Frozen Chosen Regatta make the snow-covered landscape a little more fun. Visit champlainislands.com for schedule. All ages. All events are weather dependent. Various locations, Grand Isle, 5 p.m. Various prices; most events are free. Info, 372-8400.

Milton Community Winter Festival: Snow sculptures, ice skating, sledding and fireworks highlight a weekend filled with outdoor excitement. Various locations, Milton, 6:30-8 p.m. Various prices; most events are free. Info, 893-4922.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Story Times

MONDAY

Bristol Toddler Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. No session on February 18. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Marshfield Story Time: Jaquith Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Middlebury Early-Literacy Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Richmond Pajama Time: Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

St. Albans Story Time: St. Albans Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free.

Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

Waterbury Toddlers-’n’-Twos: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Burlington Science & Stories: ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $9.50-$12.50; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 324-6386.

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

East Barre Kids Story Hour: East Barre Branch Library, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

East Middlebury Preschool Stories: Sara Partridge Community Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Essex Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955.

Games

Life-Size Candyland: Players who know their colors move around a gigantic board with the Candy King. Games take approximately 8 minutes to play. University Mall, South Burlington, 4-7 p.m. $3 suggested donation to the American Cancer Society. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Dancin’ With My Baby: See February 1.

Family Gym: See February 1.

Kids Open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Open Gym: See February 1.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 1.

Toddler Yoga & Stories: See February 1.

YMCA Sports Night Out: Energetic ones play some of their favorite sports and make their own games. Dinner

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details. Most groups follow the school calendar; call ahead to confirm these schedules.

Essex Story Time for Babies & Toddlers: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. No session on February 26. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, first Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Waterbury Story Time: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

Williston Reading With Frosty & Friends: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, every other Tuesday, 3:304:30 p.m. Free; preregister for a 10-minute time slot. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Hour: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: Buttered Noodles, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, Free. Info, 655-6424.

WEDNESDAY

Berkshire PJ Story Time: Berkshire Elementary School, second Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

East Barre Realms of Reading Crafts: East Barre Branch Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Essex Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: See Tuesday, 10-10:45 a.m.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Montgomery Story Hour: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, montgomery. librarian@gmail.com.

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

South Burlington Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Stowe Preschool Story Hour: Stowe Free Library, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.

Waterbury Baby Lap Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williamstown Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY

Bristol Preschool Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Middlebury Early-Literacy Story Time: See Monday, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. St. Albans Story Time: See Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211.

Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.

FRIDAY

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328.

Essex Musical Thirds Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

provided. Ages 5 to 12. Allen Brook School, Williston, 6-8 p.m. $8 per child; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Library & Books

Book Lust Club: High schoolers chat about the reads they love — and the ones they loathe. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: Adventure-storytelling musician shares songs with kids. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Movies

After-School Movie: See February 1.

Teen Movie: ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone star in this 2012 actionadventure flick about a teenager with super powers. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science

Pajama Party: Inquisitive attendees tune in for animal tails — er, tales — regarding turtles, owls, snakes, falcons and more. Families with children ages 3 to 8. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee,

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln Children’s Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Milton Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

SATURDAY

Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114.

Burlington Saturday Story Time: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Colchester Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Milton Therapy Dog Story Time: Milton Public Library, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday, 11 a.m.

7 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

6:30-7:15 p.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $3-4 per additional participant; preregister. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

Theater

The World Famous Popovich comedy Pet Theater: A cast of rescued cats and dogs perform a variety of stunts and skits alongside a world-class juggler. See calendar spotlight on page 41. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 7 p.m. $19.5024.50. Info, 775-0903.

9 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Lovebug Bookmark: Young artists turn yarn, foam and pipe cleaners into quirky insects. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646.

saturday Kids drop-in class: Kid-creators fashion Valentine’s Day fabric arts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Moms-in-the-making give their full attention to relaxation and strength building. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See February 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. milton community Winter Festival: See February 8, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Food

capital city Winter Farmers market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an offseason celebration of locally grown food held in the gymnasium. All ages. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. Norwich Winter Farmers market: See February 2.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See February 2.

Winter Waffle Breakfast & silent Auction: Griddles sizzle at this town tradition in its 15th year, complete with activities for kids both indoors and outside at the Hinesburg Winter Carnival. All ages. Hinesburg Community School, 8-11 a.m. $4-8; free for kids under 2. Info, 482-3827.

Games

Big Toy Night: Bye-bye, cabin fever! Kids ride their bikes, trikes and scooters around an indoor track, or sit down for craft time. Pizza and drinks provided. For families of children ages 6 and under. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 4-6 p.m. Free; bring fruit or a dessert to share. Info, 244-5605.

Life-size candyland: See February 8. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Queen city chess club: See February 2.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Franklin Tumble Time: Gym time provides youngsters with the opportunity to run, jump and play. Ages 6 and under. Franklin Central School, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1, 10:45 a.m.12:15 p.m.

movies

movie matinee: Small cinephiles beat the winter blues with popcorn and a favorite children’s flick. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & science

creeping colors: Marker dyes break down into a rainbow of hues as small scientists watch capillary action. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Forester for a day: Kids don hard hats as they observe a woodsman fell a tree. After, they take to the woodshop for hands-on fun. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

Theater out of the Box: creative Play for Little People: See February 2.

saturday drama club: See February 2.

10 SUNDAY community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See February 8, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. milton community Winter Festival: See February 8, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3. open Gym: See February 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m. st. Albans Public skating: See February 3.

Nature & science

Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11:30 a.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2. skulls: Paleontology enthusiasts examine skeletal remains to learn about New England wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

Theater

‘The civil War’: Period songs and actual events thread through this historical-fiction musical by Theatreworks USA. Ages 7 and up. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 3 p.m. $13-23. Info, 603-646-2422.

11 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

Yoga After Baby: See February 4.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m. spanish immersion class: See February 4.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

11 moNdAY, p. 38

February Calendar

11 moNdAY (Continued)

cooking class for Kids: Kitchen enthusiasts don aprons before they prepare delicious and healthy meals. Grades 5-8. Milton Elementary/Middle School, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $12. Info, 893-4922.

Games

Homeschoolers Lego Group: Would-be architects piece together snazzy structures. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 1-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See February 4.

open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Pajama story Time: Abby Klein entertains children and stuffed animals with Valentine’s Day stories, crafts and a bedtime snack. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Valentine Pajama story Hour: Holiday tales prove especially heartwarming at this bedtime reading. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Young Adult Film crew: Aspiring actors, directors and audiovisual buffs put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

shake Your sillies out: See February 4.

12 TUESDAY

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

chess club: See February 5. Game on!: Kids learn new diversions or play old faves. All ages. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Health & Fitness

dancin’ With my Baby: See February 1, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Library & Books

creative Tuesdays: See February 5. Little Night-owl story Time: Listeners swoop in for some bedtime tales, songs and crafts. Ages 5 and under. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Theater

From Page to stage: See February 5.

improv: Drama kings and queens get silly in spur-ofthe-moment games. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

13 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington La Leche League: Babies and older kids are welcome as moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Education

NooK Kids APPtivity: See February 6. one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m. social Thinking: See February 6.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cookie decorating: See February 6.

Kids in the Kitchen: Budding cooks stir up fluffy couscous dumplings under the guidance of an experienced chef-instructor. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Games

Georgia Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games, too. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Preschool music With Raphael: See February 6.

Nature & science

Aspiring Naturalists

Lovin’ Summer

bonfire sing-alongs, horseback riding, canoeing ... it might seem premature to think summer when we’re in the middle of snow season, but late winter is actually the ideal time for parents to sign their kids up for camp. Get up to speed at the 16th annual Kids VT cAmP & scHooL FAiR, featuring reps from dozens of summer programs from all over the state — and beyond. From sleepaway gymnastics camp to afternoon acting class, there’s something to make every kid a happy camper.

Kids VT cAmP & scHooL FAiR: Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Burlington Hilton. All ages. Free. Info, 985-5482. Read about participating summer programs on the Kids VT blog at kidsvt.com.

Lego Afternoons: See February 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3. 2:454:15 p.m. open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Toddler Taekwondo: See February 6.

Library & Books

Youth media Lab: See February 6.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See February 6.

dr. First videos “First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Teen Program: On a monthly exploration, young adults practice primitive skills, from building a fire by friction to foraging for wild edibles. Ages 14-17. Shelburne Farms, 4:30-7 p.m. Preregister. Info, 985-0327.

Preschool discovery Program: See February 6.

We Love our Winter Birds!: Avian enthusiasts learn more about the winged ones who reside in our fields and woods year-round. Ages 3-5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-8. Info, 229-6206.

14 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Let’s make Valentines: Have a heart! Crafty kids cut out holiday symbols for that special someone. Ages 8 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

community

Evening sleigh Rides: Pat Palmer of Thornapple Farm and a team of Percheron draft horses lead a celestial ride under the winter sky. Weather permitting. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 6, 6:45 & 7:30 p.m. $7-15; free for children under 3; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1,

Games

Lego club: Building-block lovers of all ages get busy with the library’s giant collection. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Teen Wii challenge: Tech-savvy youngsters try out the video-game console. Ages 5 and up. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644. Wii-tastic!: Gamers check out LEGO Star Wars and Wii Sports Resort, in addition to classics like Mario Kart. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: Fuzzy, friendly canines listen to readaloud tales that encourage literacy and connection with animals. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister for a time slot. Info, 849-2420.

VolunTeens: Young adults plan events for the library. Grades 7-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

Williston Kids music With mister chris: See February 7.

15 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See February 1. YmcA Girls Princess Night out: Little ladies get the royal treatment at an evening of jewelry making, flowercrown crafts and nail painting. Dinner provided. Ages 5-12. Allen Brook School, Williston, 6-8 p.m. $8 per child; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

submit

community

milton High school coffee House: Students and teachers showcase their musical, artistic and literary talents before an open mic. All ages. Milton High School, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Education

Preschool Family day: Adults and children explore indoor and outdoor play spaces during a morning of seasonal crafts or cooking projects. Teachers are on hand to answer questions about the nature- and playbased curriculum. Ages 2-6. Willow Morning Garden, Shelburne, 9-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-3900.

Fairs & Festivals

The Vermont Flurry: Onlookers stay warm by a toasty fire as professional snow-sculpting teams create white works of art around town. Woodstock Village Green, Free. Info, 457-3981.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

dungeons & dragons: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

dancin’ With my Baby: See February 1.

Family Gym: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1. open Gym: See February 1.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1. Toddler Yoga & stories: See February 1.

Library & Books

Essex drop-in story Time: See February 1. Green mountain Book Award Book discussions: Eager readers hear about some of the 2012-13 nominees, including Machine of Death, Anna and the French Kiss and The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To. Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Youth Night: Teens and tweens hang out and enjoy movies, snacks and projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

movies

After-school movie: See February 1.

Family movie: ‘ParaNorman’: A boy who can communicate with the deceased sets out to break an ancient curse in this 2012 animation. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Professor Kubínek meets the Vermont Youth orchestra: Vaudevillian theater artist Tomáš Kubínek lends a humorous touch to an evening of orchestral works by Mozart, Dvořák, Bach and others. See calendar spotlight on page 33. Ages 6 and up. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15-36. Info, 863-5966.

16 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Foam Job chart: Youngsters make a handy door sign to keep track of their chores at this drop-in program. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646.

saturday Kids drop-in class: Novice printmakers produce paper lanterns. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See February 9. community

Kids cabin Fever Party: Feeling cooped up? A bouncy castle, games and treats draw youngsters out of the house. St. Albans City Hall, 1-3 p.m. $5-7. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.

sleigh Ride Week: Winter lovers ride horse-drawn sleighs through frozen farm fields and try out a jack jumper sled, a single ski with a seat mounted on top. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 2. Info, 457-2355.

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See February 8. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Vermont Flurry: See February 15.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See February 2.

capital city Winter Farmers market: See February 9.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See February 2.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See February 2.

Games

Queen city chess club: See February 2. Youth chess Tournament: Strategic thinkers compete in three age divisions for trophies and glory. Grades K-8. Fairfax Community Library, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free; preregister to participate. Info, 849-2420.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Library & Books

Victoria Kann: The author of Pinkalicious debuts her colorful new book, Emeraldalicious, at a reading, book signing and Q&A. Ages 4 and up. Shelburne Town Hall, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-3999.

Winter Book sale: Lit lovers restock their nightstands from a wide variety of gently used fiction, nonfiction, videotapes and DVDs. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 879-7576.

Nature & science

Balch Nature school open classroom: Inquisitive youngsters explore Mother Earth through toys and crafts. Ages 7 and under, accompanied by an adult. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. Regular museum admission, $6-8; free for kids under 5. Info, 748-2372.

Build a Better Battery: Light bulbs go off — both literally and metaphorically — as kids make and measure electricity. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $1012; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

The Great Backyard Bird count: Visitors learn about an annual bird-counting event as they explore the museum’s exhibits and feeding stations. See calendar spotlight on page 35. All ages. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6. Info, 434-3068.

The Great Backyard Bird count: Bird-monitoring Walk: Avian enthusiasts look for feathered wings in flight. See calendar spotlight on page 35. All ages. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Donations accepted. Info, 434-3068.

The Great Backyard Bird count: Citizen scientists engage in a nationwide bird-monitoring project. See

calendar spotlight on page 35. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

owl Prowl: Find out whoooo’s living in the woods on a nocturnal snowshoe excursion. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $8-10; preregister. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2.

Play date: Farm & Food Fun: Little ones have a hoot with educational activities and a visit from a live owl. Ages 2-5. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $3-5. Info, 985-8686.

Who Goes There?: Kids cast their own footprints while learning about the tracks made by Northeast Kingdom critters. All ages. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. $5 per family; free for members. Info, 748-2372.

Who sank the Boat?: Newbie boatbuilders craft a vessel, then see how much weight it can hold before capsizing. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

Theater

out of the Box: creative Play for Little People: See February 2. saturday drama club: See February 2.

17 SUNDAY community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See February 8, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Vermont Flurry: See February 15.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3. open Gym: See February 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m. st. Albans Public skating: See February 3.

Nature & science

The Great Backyard Bird count: Aspiring naturalists count our flying friends, make bird feeders and play interactive computer bird games. See calendar spotlight on page 35. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

microscopic investigations: Small scientists magnify different items to discover a world that can’t been seen with the naked eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2. Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

18

MONDAY

Baby & maternity

Yoga After Baby: See February 4.

community

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cooking class for Kids: See February 11.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See February 4. open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Ongoing Exhibits & Contests

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm ANd sciENcE cENTER, BURLiNGToN

Info, 864-1848

‘strange matter’: Kids explore the mind-boggling world of materials as they discover the science behind everyday products, such as DVDs and cell phones. February 9-May 12.

FAiRBANKs mUsEUm & PLANETARiUm, sT.

JoHNsBURY

Info, 748-2372

‘Wildflower Table’: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

Info, 649-2200

‘Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of charley Harper’: Museum-goers view serigraphs in the artist’s highly stylized minimal realism, which they further explore through tangrams, puzzles and rubbing stations. Through February 3.

‘How People make Things’: Visitors don hard hats and safety glasses to become factory technicians, workers or supervisors as they learn how people, ideas and technology contribute to the manufacture of familiar childhood objects. February 16-June 2.

NEW mooN cAFÉ, BURLiNGToN

‘Fun-A-day Vermont!’ Exhibit: Artists of all ages each display 31 works, one created for every day in January. February 9, 4-8 p.m.

VARioUs LocATioNs sTATEWidE

Bright Lights Vermont: Travelers tour a luminous festival featuring displays in seven towns throughout the Mt. Snow Valley: Readsboro, Whitingham, Halifax, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Dover and Wardsboro. All ages. Through March 2.

VERmoNT PUBLic TELEVisioN, coLcHEsTER

Info, 655-8059

PBs Kids Go! Writers contest: Wee wordsmiths submit original stories and illustrations to a judged contest. The deadline for entries is March 22. Grades K-3.

your march event for print by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Playgroups

MONDAY

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and friends. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music themes. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details. Most groups follow the school calendar; call ahead to confirm these schedules.

Burlington Music With Robert: Fletcher Free Library, Feb. 5, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

St. Albans BBF Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 child. Info, 223-0517.

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 11 p.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Cambridge Hometown Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5900.

Essex Open Gym: Regal Gymnastics Academy, 11 a.m.-noon. $8; free for children under 18 months. Info, 655-3300.

Isle La Motte Playgroup: Isle La Motte School, 7:309:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, fourth Wednesday of every month, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Moretown Playgroup: Moretown Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Rutland Babies & Toddlers Rock: Rutland Free Library, first Monday of every month, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

South Burlington Music With Raphael: Kids City, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 859-9130.

South Hero Playgroup: South Hero Congregational Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Swanton Playgroup: Mary S. Babcock School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Twinfield Playgroup: Twinfield Union School, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-6071.

Waterbury Playgroup: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

Williston Music With Raphael: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Winooski Fathers & Children Together: Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

Wolcott Playgroup: Wolcott Depot Center Preschool, 8:15-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

TUESDAY

Baby Time: Faith United Methodist Church, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-3659.

Bristol Playgroup: Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Burlington Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers & Children Together: VNA Family Room, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

18 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Library & Books

RU12? Rainbow Reading Hour: See February 4, 5:306:30 p.m.

Music

Shake Your Sillies Out: See February 4.

Nature & Science

Exploring Magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

The Great Backyard Bird Count: See February 17.

Paper-Cup Telephones: Ring, ring! Talkers and

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday. 9-11 a.m.

Colchester Teddy Bear Picnic: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5906.

Essex BBF Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Georgia Playgroup: Georgia Elementary & Middle School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hardwick Playgroup: Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Middlebury Playgroup: Middlebury Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Milton Playgroup: New Life Fellowship Church, Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Montpelier Lego Club: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, third Tuesday of every month, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Tulsi Tea Room, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043.

Richford Playgroup: Cornerstone Bridges to Life Community Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday, 10 a.m.-noon. Enosburg Playgroup: American Legion - Enosburg, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 933-6435.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 10 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 872-9580.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Annette’s Preschool, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Milton Baby Playgroup: Milton Town O ce Community Room, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

Northfield Playgroup: United Church of Northfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:4510:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Shelburne Sing-Along: Lemon Peel Café and Crêperie, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-9511.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264.

Vergennes Playgroup: Congregational Church of Vergennes, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Waterbury Music and Movement: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

Williston Baby-Time Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-3659.

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:20 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Essex BBF Playgroup: See Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Fletcher Playgroup: Fletcher Elementary School, first Thursday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Fletcher Tumble Time: Fletcher Elementary School, second Thursday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Montgomery Infant Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Montpelier Baby Playgroup: St. Augustine Parish, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

Montpelier Dads and Kids: Family Center of Washington County, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Waitsfield Playgroup: Big Picture Theater, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

Waterbury Playgroup: See Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Williston Music With Raphael: See Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Winooski Playgroup: O’Brien Community Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

FRIDAY

Essex Center Playgroup: Memorial Hall, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6751.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon. Fairfax Community Playgroup: BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 899-4415.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

St. Albans MOPS: Church of the Rock, first Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. Free. Info, 891-1230.

Stowe Hometown Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Swanton Late-Morning Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Waterbury Playgroup: See Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7147; jakruwet@yahoo.com.

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 229-0173.

SATURDAY

Building Bright Futures Open Gym: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6715.

Fairfax Open Tot Gym & Infant Playtime: BFA Fairfax, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Franklin Playgroup: Franklin Central School, second Saturday of every month, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Milton Open Gym Time: Milton Elementary/Middle School, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

Morrisville Weekend Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Montpelier Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

South Burlington Tots & Tykes Open Gym: Chamberlin Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Swanton Tumble Time: Mary S. Babcock School, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

listeners discover whether sound can really travel through a string. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

19 TUESDAY

Community

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Food

Games

Chess Club: See February 5.

Magic: The Gathering: Fans of this trading-card game gather to play with their own decks, or borrow ones from the library. Grades 6-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4-6 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Health & Fitness

Dancin’ With My Baby: See February 1, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 1.

Reading & Writing Dystopia: Love The Hunger Games? Fans find out about some worthy apocalyptic reads — and try writing their own. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science

Color Mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Demonstration: See February 1. Kids in the Kitchen: Bakers measure and mix up a batch of flaky, buttery cheddar biscuits. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Chocolate-Dipping

Library & Books

Creative Tuesdays: See February 5.

Lights, Camera, Action!: Fledgling filmmakers learn the basics of moviemaking at a four-day camp. Grades 3 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 388-4097.

Hoopster Gliders: See February 10, 3 p.m.

20 WEDNESDAY

Community

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Education

NooK Kids APPtivity: See February 6. one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m.

social Thinking: See February 6.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cookie decorating: See February 6.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See February 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3, 2:454:15 p.m.

open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Library & Books

Lights, camera, Action!: See February 19, 9 a.m.-noon.

Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See February 6.

Preschool music With Raphael: See February 6.

Nature & science

optical Tops: See February 2.

Parachutes: Curious kids make mini ’chutes to test air resistance. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Preschool discovery Program: See February 6.

Presto! change-o! camouflage!: Sharp-eyed participants look for some well-hidden critters through games and nature activities. Ages 3-5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-8. Info, 229-6206. snug in the snow: Kiddos experience winter like meadow voles and river otters, nestling under the powder and sliding atop it. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

21 THURSDAY community

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

Lego Fun: Budding builders share blocks. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

shelburne magic club: See February 7, 6-8 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Library & Books

Lights, camera, Action!: See February 19, 9 a.m.-noon. Young Writers club: Budding scribes work on exercises and prompts designed to ignite a creative spark. Grades 4-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

Williston Kids music With mister chris: See February 7.

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

skulls: See February 10, 11 a.m.

22 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See February 1. community

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Fairs & Festivals

st. Albans Winter carnival: Townsfolk play it cool during a three-day celebration including a youth hockey tournament, chili cook-off, snowshoe trek, dog-sled demo and hot cocoa. Various locations, St. Albans, 5-9 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

magic: The Gathering: See February 8.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1. dancin’ With my Baby: See February 1. Family Gym: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1. open Gym: See February 1.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Toddler Yoga & stories: See February 1.

Library & Books

Lights, camera, Action!: See February 19, 9 a.m.-noon. middle school Planners & Helpers: Over snacks, students play games and plot cool projects for the library. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

songs & stories With matthew: See February 8. stuffed-Animal sleepover: Kids enjoy a pajama story hour before leaving their fuzzy friends on an overnight library adventure. They can pick them up at a teddy-bear picnic from 9-10 a.m. the next morning. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

movies

After-school movie: See February 1.

Nature & science

Build a Bluebird House: Family Workshop: Fans of our feathered friends learn about bird behaviors while constructing a box to take home. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $25 per family; preregister. Info, 649-2200.

Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design and build something cool, from artistic robots to squishy circuits. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

Full moon snowshoe Hike: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll under lunar light. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. $5-10. Info, 229-6206.

sound science: Good listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

straw Rockets: See February 3.

23 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Wooden Letter or Number: Participants decorate big learning blocks at this drop-in program. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646.

saturday Kids drop-in class: Creative types get busy making “cylinder sheep.” Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See February 9.

community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2.

Beast in Show

you’d expect a veteran of the Moscow Circus to excel in juggling, balancing stunts and general clowning. but Gregory Popovich’s cast of 15 housecats and 10 dogs gets in on the physical comedy, too, in THE WoRLd FAmous PoPoVicH comEdY PET THEATER. Voted the best family show in Las Vegas, this stage act features shelter-rescued animals, all humanely trained through positive reinforcement. Jump-roping canines, a pooch on a scooter — who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

THE WoRLd FAmous PoPoVicH comEdY PET THEATER: Friday, February 8, 7 p.m., at Paramount Theater in Rutland. All ages. $19.50-24.50. Info, 775-0903. paramountvt.org

23 sATuRdAY, P. 42 courtesy of the world famous popovich comedy pet theater

Lotsa ’Bots

“It’s about celebrating nerdiness,” says doug dickey, planning committee cochair and assistant dean of uVM’s college of engineering and Mathematical Sciences. The VERmoNT FiRsT TEcH cHALLENGE ToURNAmENT pits teams of 7th to 12th graders against each other in “ring It up,” a robotics competition rife with difficult challenges and ever-changing alliances. The high-tech tourney is designed to encourage youthful participants — and onlookers — to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and math.

VERmoNT FiRsT TEcH cHALLENGE ToURNAmENT: Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m., at UVM Davis Center in Burlington. All ages. Free. Info, first@uvm.edu. uvm. edu/~first

Fairs & Festivals

st. Albans Winter carnival: See February 22. 9 a.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1, Norwich Winter Farmers market: See February 2. Rutland Winter Farmers market: See February 2. Waitsfield indoor Farmers market: Farm-fresh edibles and locally made provender go hand in hand with music and community cheer. All ages. Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 496-8994.

Games

Queen city chess club: See February 2.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2. Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1, 10:45 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Nature & science

Bird-monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars and explore the museum property for avian activity. Best for older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

champ Week: Believers and skeptics alike become cryptozoologists for a week as they explore the facts and legends surrounding our resident lake monster. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids ages 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

igloo Build: Bundled-up families learn to construct sturdy snow dwellings. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

owl Festival: Visitors have a hoot unraveling the mysteries of this bird of prey through hands-on activities and exciting games. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 1-4 p.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

owl Prowl: Wilderness explorers look for these winged predators on a woodland hike, followed by hot refreshments and a visit with a live owl. Ages 10 and up. Shelburne Farms, 7-9 p.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2. Vermont FiRsT Tech challenge Tournament: Youth teams compete at an annual robotics exhibition. See calendar spotlight. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m. Free.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

Theater

out of the Box: creative Play for Little People: See February 2.

saturday drama club: See February 2.

‘Under Night sky’: The brainchild of Vermont artist Sarah Frechette, PuppetKabob’s shadow-puppet show threads together the stories stitched into a patchwork quilt. For ages 3 and up with accompanying adult. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2010.

24 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn the basics about babies — from breastfeeding to prolonged crying — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

community

sleigh Rides: See February 2.

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Fairs & Festivals

st. Albans Winter carnival: See February 22, 12:30 p.m.

Food

Brunch cooking class: Kids and teens whip up buckwheat pancakes, homemade applesauce, scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins and a seasonal fruit salad. Ages 8 and up, accompanied by an adult. City Market, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 861-9700. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3. open Gym: See February 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Nature & science

champ Week: See February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kitchen chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans examine the secret lives of “insect fungus farmers” during this hands-on investigation. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 2. Winter Weekend on the Farm: See February 2.

25 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

duct-Tape Extravaganza: Clever crafters make pocketbooks and wallets from this everything-goes adhesive. Ages 9-12. Milton Public Library, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Baby & maternity

Yoga After Baby: See February 4.

community

sleigh Ride Week: See February 16.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Games

Homeschoolers Lego Group: See February 11.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See February 4. open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

movies

movie matinee: See February 9.

‘star Wars’ club: Fans of the Force screen Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones with Jedi master Aaron Masi. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

shake Your sillies out: See February 4.

Nature & science

champ Week: See February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exploring magnets: See February 18.

Paper-cup Telephones: See February 18.

Theater

storybook Theater: Drama kings and queens work with local actress Nikki Juvan to adapt a picture book into a performance worthy of the Town Hall Theater

23 sATURdAY (conTInued)

file: matthew thorsen

stage. Grades K-2. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 388-4097.

26 TUESDAY

Education

Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Growing money Through Goals: Inspired by The Pickle Patch Bathtub, kids create a giant cucumber vine to learn about saving their funds for something important. Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-2:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. Kids in the Kitchen: Fire up the wok! Teams collaborate to make sizzling vegetable-fried rice. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Games

chess club: See February 5.

Health & Fitness

dancin’ With my Baby: See February 1, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Library & Books

creative Tuesdays: See February 5.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party: Kids don their finery for a fashionable affair with food, fun and frolicking. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

movies

Vacation movie: ‘Toy story 3’: Woody, Buzz and the gang are back — and breaking out of a daycare center — in this 2010 animation. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & science

champ Week: See February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. color mixing: See February 19.

Hoopster Gliders: See February 10, 3 p.m.

27 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Fairy/Elf craft: Mythical creatures emerge from various supplies. Ages 5 and up. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1507.

Baby & maternity

Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling. Discussion topics include nighttime parenting, weaning and setting limits. Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.

Pregnancy circle: Mothers-to-be practice labor breathing and relaxation while sharing positive birth stories. A healthy snack is provided. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. $5-15 sliding scale; preregister. Info, 324-8809.

Education

NooK Kids APPtivity: See February 6.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 2, 4:30-6 p.m.

social Thinking: See February 6.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cookie decorating: See February 6.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See February 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 3. 2:45-4:15 p.m.

open Gym: See February 1, 10 a.m.-noon.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 1.

Library & Books

maker space: Tinkerers dismantle common household objects to see how they work — and then create something new from the parts. Grades 3 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Video story Time camp: Media mavens learn camera basics while producing and editing a short piece for TV. Ages 10-14. Milton Public Library, 1-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Youth media Lab: See February 6.

music

may’s music & movement: Caregivers and their charges lace up their dancing shoes for a fun and educational session with May Poduschnik. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

moving & Grooving With christine: See February 6.

Preschool music With Raphael: See February 6.

Nature & science

champ Week: See February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. optical Tops: See February 2.

Parachutes: See February 20.

Theater

sesame street Live: ‘Elmo’s friends sing their way through fun and educational les sons as they try to help Super Grover retain his special powers. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. $16.76-52.46. Info, 863-5966.

28 THURSDAY

Education

one-on-one Tutoring:

Food

chocolate-dipping

Games

Lego club: See February 14.

Lego creations: Plastic bricks and building supplies yield architectural masterpieces that will be kept on display at the library. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 2.

Library & Books

mysterious Hogwarts Reading gather to discuss magical reads. Grades 4-6. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Video story Time c

movies

Vacation movie: ‘diary of a Wimpy Kid: Based on Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novel, this film chronicles the trials, tribulations and triumphs of summer break. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Williston Kids music With Nature & s

champ Week: See February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fossils: Evidence of the Past:

skulls: See February 10, 11 a.m.

Will you be mine, Valentine

Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop

BOOK REVIEW WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG CRITICS who shared their reading recommendations with us this month. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some of our favorite excerpts below.

Jordan Tornabe, 4 BURLINGTON

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

“My favorite part was when the Grinch was caught by little Cindy Lou Who when he was stu ng the tree up the chimney.”

Clio Burns, 8 BURLINGTON

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Kids, It’s Time to Start Writing!

Kids in kindergarten through third grade are invited to enter Vermont Public Television’s 2013 edition of the PBS KIDS GO Writers Contest!

Kids write and illustrate original stories, with three winners selected from each grade level. First place winners are also sent on to the National PBS KIDS GO Writers Contest!

(Previous entries pictured.)

Entry deadline is Friday, March 22, 2013 Rules, entry forms and past entries at vpt.org

Questions? Call 1-800-639-3351

Start planning your story today!

Sponsored by:

“Reynie is a young orphan boy. I like him because he is very brave. He went to a school called the Institute when it could be dangerous.”

Luna Wood, 9 WILLISTON

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

“[The main character] did not know she was a mermaid until 7th-grade swim class. It was interesting when she found her long-lost dad, who is a merman.”

David Moody, 10 CABOT

Red Dragon Codex by R.D. Henham

“When his village is destroyed by an evil red dragon, Mudd sets out to find a good dragon that can kill the red dragon. I like Mudd because he is adventurous and willing to help others.”

Find

• Two 55-gallon

• Plywood covered with a strip of plastic pickuptruck-bed liner makes a homemade grinding rail.

• Skinny wooden pallets make handy access ladders for the drop-in.

• Rails and sharp corners are surrounded by smooth snow walls for safety.

• A mix of sleds, ski bikes, snowdecks, snowboards and snow scooters — thriftily collected and sometimes homemade — add variety.

Backyard Terrain Park

BY BECKY THARP

You don’t need a huge hill to create slope-style thrills in your own backyard. With some skillful snowblowing and an inventive reuse of materials, Williston’s Paul Bialowoz turns his family’s yard into a snowsport destination for his three kids and their neighborhood friends.

Parents: Alia and Paul Bialowoz

Kids: Will, 11; Jake, 9; Rachel, 5

Bialowoz recently transformed his slightly downhill plot by adding two rails, a sizable jump and a landscaped curve for high-speed cornering.

He blows most of the snow from the front yard onto a skateboard quarter-pipe ramp to form a drop-in, which creates vertical distance and speed. He blows the rest of the available snow onto a main sliding surface featuring fun additions, such as an arched homemade rail that’s perfect for grinding — even on a sled.

And it’s cheaper than a season pass. “Almost everything here is either made from pieces of scrap or purchased real cheap o Craigslist,” he says. “Anyone can do it.”

rain barrels covered in snow form the base of the jump.

Like what you see?

Helping you have a healthy baby is what we love and do best.

CENTRAL VERMONT WOMEN’S HEALTH is long established and highly regarded because we offer skilled, comprehensive and compassionate health care for women.

We are here to help – whether you are an expectant mom or planning your pregnancy. Our flexible scheduling and nurturing approach allows time to talk –to answer your questions, discuss your preferences and listen to your goals. We provide informed prenatal care including Centering Pregnancy ® – a model for prenatal care that brings women in similar stages of pregnancy together to learn about self-care as they prepare to have their babies.

Our obstetricians and midwife, in partnership with the great nurses at our birthing center, support you through labor and a natural childbirth or provide options for pain management, including epidurals, any time of day or night.

Our physicians intervene only when necessary. Our Birthing Center is intimate and family focused. Labor, delivery and postpartum are all in the same comfortable room.

You can depend on our experience. Let us help you plan a healthy and rewarding pregnancy and delivery.

OUR PROVIDERS: Roger E. Ehret, MD Sheila R. Glaess, MD

Colleen Horan, MD Roger H. Knowlton, DO, FACOG

Rebecca Montgomery, CNM, MSN Julie A. Vogel, MD, FACOG

Gail Yanowitch, MD

Photo: top, Dr. Julie Vogel compares pregnancies with a patient.

Bottom: Dr. Knowlton explains an ultasound to an expectant mom.

Valentine’s Day Cake Pops

“DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD.”

What kid hasn’t heard those words at the dinner table?

This hands-on, holiday-themed dessert allows youngsters to have their cake and eat it, too, so to speak. When they’re finished, they’ll have a batch of tasty treats to hand out to friends or classmates on Valentine’s Day. It may take a few tries to perfect the pops, but at least you get to eat your mistakes.

Looking for candy melts, styrofoam blocks and cellophane bags? Check your local craft store.

— CAROLYN FOX

Materials

• 1 fully cooled 9x13-inch cake: Use a box cake mix of your choice and follow package directions

• 1 16-ounce can frosting

• tray or cookie sheet

• wax paper

• chocolate chips or candy melts

• 50 lollipop sticks

• sprinkles (optional)

• 2 or 3 styrofoam blocks

• 50 small cellophane bags

• ribbons or twist ties

Instructions

1. Use your hands to finely crumble the cake into a large bowl.

2. Stir in about a quarter of the can of frosting, adding more in small amounts as necessary to reach a thick, cookie-dough-like consistency. The cake should be moistened, but still slightly crumbly.

3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls — it should make about 50 of them. Place them on a tray or cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Chill in the freezer for at least half an hour, until firm.

4. In a deep, narrow, microwave-safe measuring cup or glass, melt the chocolate chips or candy melts in the microwave in 20-second increments until fully smooth.

5. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate or candy coating and insert it straight into the center of one of the cake balls. Repeat until each ball has a stick. Return the tray to the freezer for another 15 minutes.

6. Reheat the chocolate or candy melts if needed. Carefully dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate or candy coating, rotating slowly until fully covered. Remove and gently tap and twirl the lollipop stick against the edge of the cup to shake off excess coating.

7. While the coating is still wet, decorate as desired with sprinkles.

8. Insert the lollipop sticks into a styrofoam block to let the cake pops dry before eating. To package the pops to give away, tuck each individually in a cellophane bag, securing with a ribbon or twist tie.

COLORING CONTEST!

Send us your work of art by February 15 for an opportunity to win $25, sponsored by TD Bank

Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8 and (3) ages 9-12. The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the March issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

PUZZLE PAGE

Winners get gift certificates to Spare Time in Colchester, one of Vermont’s premier bowling centers.

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle

Search — Soups

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: How can you tell the difference between a can of chicken soup and a can of tomato soup?

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Molly lives in Colchester and turns 7 in February. She enjoys going to the movies and bowling, as well as playing outside with her brother and sister.

Molly wins a $50 gift certificate to Spare Time.

DOMINIC lives in Essex Junction and turns 5 in February. He has fun playing video games and climbing trees and absolutely loves all superheroes.

To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club.

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Dominic, Violet and James win $10 gift certificates to Spare Time.

VIOLET lives in Burlington and turns 10 in January. She loves art, fashion design, reading and spending time with her friends.

JAMES lives in Shelburne and turns 12 in February. He likes to play baseball in the summer and go snowmobiling in the winter.

Home Front

A Vermont military family faces deployment

BY TASHA LEHMAN

AT MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR’S

EVE, my husband and I and our three boys were at a party with friends. While everybody was blowing party horns to celebrate the new year, Matt and I exchanged half smiles. It was one of those moments when each of us knew exactly what the other was thinking: We’d be spending this year very di erently from everybody else in the room.

Matt is a first lieutenant in the Vermont Air National Guard. He recently headed overseas for his first deployment.

My husband had always wanted to join the military, but for years he sacrificed his dream so I could achieve mine — staying home with our three boys, now ages 8, 9 and 12.

Four years ago, it was his turn. After endless hours researching military jobs and nearby schools and housing, he joined VTANG. We moved our family here from Indiana to support him.

Moving to Vermont was easy. We love the snow, and the boys took to skiing. I’m passionate about recycling and buying organic; I feel as though I belong here. We joined a wonderful church community. We bought an old house and began fixing it up. Vermont life is just what we had hoped it would be.

Adapting to military life has been more di cult — for me, anyway. My husband has thrived in his job on base as an o cer and engineer. And the boys think that having an Air Force dad is pretty darn cool, especially when they get to watch fighter jets take o or meet their pilots.

It took me a while to learn the lingo. The first time I went to a gathering for military wives, everyone was tossing around terms like “OPSEC.” I went home and Googled it. It’s short for “operations security”; the fact that I need to be careful about what information I share, and with whom, is something else that’s taken getting used to.

Despite my ignorance of acronyms, everyone made me feel like part of the club. Ready or not, I was one of them.

We always knew there was a chance that Matt would be deployed. But I thought it would come later. Much later. We had only lived in Vermont for two years when the ugly “D” word was first uttered.

We did everything we could to prepare. I got ready to take over all the chores Matt usually handles, which

include maintaining the house and the car, paying the bills, and filing our taxes, things I haven’t done since I married him 14 years ago. We took care of all of the legal aspects — for example, I needed power of attorney in Matt’s absence. We wrote up our wills. He needed immunizations, specific uniforms, personal items to be shipped. There was emotional preparation, too. We decided to go to counseling together as a family. Though I felt very unsure of my new place as a military wife, I wanted my own job to do. So I took on the role of lead volunteer for our Family Readiness Group, which means I oversee family support for our squadron. I may not yet be fluent in military-speak, but I can call to check in on another wife or someone’s mom.

We prepared our boys by involving them in events with other military kids and by explaining the important work Daddy would do to serve our country. We all understood that we had a job as a military family, and we were ready and willing to do it.

Until the day came for him to leave, and we changed our minds. He couldn’t go.

Of course, he had to. We said tearful goodbyes and prayed that he would be safe. Nothing can prepare you for the moment your husband walks away from you, out of the safety of your loving arms, on his way to a war-torn country. Leaving the airport that day was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

In the car on the way home, the four of us confronted our new reality for the first time. Forgetting for a moment that Matt wasn’t with us any more, one of the boys said, “Hey, Daddy…” The rest of us fell silent as we remembered the many months and many, many miles between us.

Can we do this? Can we be the kind of family that grows stronger while facing adversity, fear and separation? Can we make Vermont and the entire country proud?

We’re not sure. But our very own hero is somewhere way across the ocean giving it his best shot, so we will, too.

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toy. tent. plan. tank.

RIDDLE ANSWER:

What begins with t, ends with t and has t in it? a TEAPOT.

Leaving the airport that day was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.